12-year-old Boy Kills Himself With Gun He Thought Was Unloaded After Removing Magazine

Twelve-year-old seventh grader Jeremiah Nelson, unintentionally shot and killed himself in his St. Petersburg, Florida home. Other children were also in the home, and his mother had just stepped out minutes before the shooting occurred. According to the assistant police chief, “…[h]e had obtained a firearm. We’re not sure exactly where. He had dropped the magazine out of the weapon, thinking it was unloaded, and was unaware that it was still loaded.”

The gun used had not been reported stolen, and police continue to investigate trying to determine how Jeremiah gained access to it. The gun apparently did not have a magazine safety disconnect.

Source:

Ryan Burkett, Kylie Jones, “12-year-old Boy Dies After Accidental Shooting, St. Pete Police Say,” (December 24, 2024)