Three People Dead in Unintentional Shootings Today

Derrick White Jr., 16, was accidentally shot and killed inside his home in Kansas City, Missouri. His mother said he was in a back room with a friend when she heard the gunshot. Police are still investigating but they believe the shooting was an accident. Derrick’s father who died in 2019, was also a victim of gun violence. Derrick, who went by Tink, was remembered by family and friends. “He was one of a kind. He had a big heart…,” said his mother. “Tink was just full of happiness,” said a friend.

A group of people were rabbit hunting in Halifax County, North Carolina when a shotgun discharged, unintentionally killing 56-year-old James Michael Lynch. The wildlife resources commission is investigating, and no charges have been filed against the person who handled the firearm. The captain of the commission noted that there has been a recent “uptick” in hunting accidents where someone shot themselves or someone else.

And in Laurens, South Carolina, 24-year-old Marlene “Grace” Ables was killed in an accidental shooting. According to a family member, she was at least six months pregnant when she died. Camerin Jay Smith who was with Ables and allegedly fired the gun, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and unlawful possession of a weapon.

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