Two Gun Accidents in Vehicles Involve 15-year-old Boys, One is Killed

In Birmingham, Alabama, several teens were riding in a minivan when a gun that a 14-year-old was handling fired, killing 15-year-old Prentice Lovell Little. The boys all knew each other and brought the victim to the hospital where he died. Police located the gun and found blood on the ground where the shooting probably took place. The 14-year-old was taken to a youth detention facility, as officials decide if any charges will be filed. 

Also, a 15-year-old is in stable condition after he was accidentally shot while sitting in a McDonald’s drive-thru in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Daniel Vargas, age 16, was in the backseat when the gun he was handling discharged striking the 15-year-old. He and three other teens bought the victim to the hospital. Vargas is facing charges including negligent use of a firearm, as police continue to investigate and try to determine where he got the gun.

Sources:

Gladys Bautista, “15-year-old Identified in ‘Tragic Accident’; Police Say Teens Mishandled Gun in Minivan,”wvtm13.com (July 9, 2024).

Tamara Lopez, “Santa Fe Teen Hospitalized Following Drive-Thru Shooting,” kob.com (July 8, 2024).