Two-year-old Boy Shoots Self with Babysitter’s Unsecured Gun

In Warren, Michigan, a two-year-old boy shot himself in the stomach with a handgun he found while in the care of his babysitter. The toddler underwent surgery at the hospital and is now in stable condition. April Green, age 42, was watching the boy and his seven-year-old sibling in her home where she allegedly kept two unsecured guns. According to a police spokesman, “…a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun was unsafely and unsecurely stored under a pillow on a bed, inside the residence while the children were present.” 

Green has a valid Concealed Pistol License (CPL) and no criminal history. Michigan’s safe storage law went into effect just this year. “We have the ability to prevent tragedies like these from happening,” said the mayor. “As adults, it is our responsibility to keep kids safe.” Green has been charged with child abuse, firearm safe storage violation, and two counts of felony firearm.

Sources:

Jack Nissen, Camille Amiri, “Babysitter Charged After Warren 2-year-old Shot Self With Caretaker’s Unsecured Handgun,” fox2detroit.com (August 5, 2024).

“Babysitter Facing Charges After 2-year-old Shoots Self in Warren,” wxyz.com (August 5, 2024).