Toddler and Teen Killed in Unintentional Shootings

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 3-year-old Kayden Barnes died after shooting herself in the eye with a gun that her father had left out after cleaning it. Both of her parents were at home when the shooting occurred. Police recovered the gun and a male was questioned and released. No charges are expected to be filed at this time.

And in Decatur, Illinois, 16-year-old Tremayne A.L. Bass was fatally shot as Jayden M. Michniewicz, 18, was handing him a gun that unintentionally discharged. Michniewicz’s 15-year-old brother was also present. According to a police affidavit, Michniewicz was in his bedroom drinking tequila with the 16-year old when the accident occurred. He also told police that he was “previously given” the semi-automatic .380 pistol from an unidentified source. Michniewicz has been charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Sources:

“3-year-old Dies After Shooting Self in Eye Inside Philadelphia Home: Police,” 6abc.com (April 8, 2024).

Tony Reid, “Teenage Drinking Ends in Fatal Gunshot, Police Say,” herald-review.com (April 8, 2024).