Teacher Killed and 4-year-old Wounded in Gun Accidents

A teacher and pastor’s son, Michael Alexander McMinn, 22, was shot and killed in Abbeville, South Carolina. A relative was showing off a new gun that unintentionally discharged hitting McMinn. He was airlifted to the hospital where he died. A captain with the sheriff’s office said no charges will be filed. Classes were canceled for one day at the school where McMinn was a physical eduction instructor. Counselors will be available to help students and staff.

A 4-year-old boy is in critical condition in Cranston, Rhode Island, after he was shot in the head by his father, 33-year-old Michael A. Jones. Jones was in a bedroom handling a loaded 9-mm handgun, when it accidentally discharged, sending a round through the wall hitting his son in the next room. Police recovered what is believed to be the gun used in the shooting. Jones will be charged with felony assault, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and firing in a compact area.

Sources:

Stephanie Moore, “South Carolina Teacher, Pastor’s Son Killed in Accidental Shooting, School and Church Confirm,” wyff4.com (November 3, 2023).

“Man Arrested for Shooting 4-year-old ‘Prohibited’ from Having Gun – Multiple Prior Felony Charges,” golocalprov.com (November 1, 2023).