Toddler and Teenager Killed in Gun Accidents

A two-year-old boy in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Devonte Chambers, fatally shot himself in the chest with his father’s unsecured gun. His 29-year-old father, also named Devonte Chambers, told police that he took his son to the bedroom for a nap, and the toddler found the gun that was under a pillow on the bed. The gun’s extended magazine was likely sticking out from under the pillow. Chambers also admitted to smoking marijuana that morning. He was charged with negligent homicide.

And in a home in Colerain Township, Ohio, 15-year-old Demarian Palmisano was killed after he was unintentionally shot in the back of the head with his own rifle by his 16-year-old best friend. The friend made the 911 call and admitted he pulled the trigger accidentally and that he had been drinking. Demarion was taken to the hospital with serious injuries and later died.

This fall, Demarian would have started his sophomore year in high school. His mother said Demarian was everything you could want in a son; kind, smart and loving. The school district released a statement extending condolences to the family, and noting that counseling services would be made available to staff and students. His 16-year-old friend was arrested and charged with reckless homicide.

Sources:

Bonnie Bolden, Keymonte Avery, “Baton Rouge Man Arrested After 2-year-old Shoots Himself on Sunday, Dies From His Injuries,” brproud.com (August 6, 2024).

Mary LeBus, “‘I Just Shot My Best Friend’: 15-year-old Dies After ‘Accidental’ Shooting,” fox19.com (August 5, 2024).

Marella Porter, “‘Smart and Loving’: Colerain Family Mourns Teen Killed by Friend in Apparent Accident,”local12.com (August 6, 2024).