Two Gun Accidents; Four-year-old Killed, Three-year-old Wounded

A four-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene after shooting herself in the head with a gun she found inside a home in Lansing, Michigan. Maliki Pendergrass, age 22, faces multiple charges that include firearms safe storage violation resulting in death, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and multiple felony firearm counts. “This child’s death was completely preventable and would not have occurred had the firearm been safely stored as required by Michigan law, using a gun lock or gun safe,” said the county prosecutor.

And inside a home in Ontario, Ohio, a six-year-old child shot a three-year-old, sending the victim to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police recovered the gun they believe was used in the shooting. County children services is working with law enforcement as the investigation continues to determine what charges will be filed.

Sources:

Katie Sergent, “Man Charged with Safe Storage Violation in Death of Lansing 4-year-old,” midmichigannow.com (January 23, 2026).

Hannah Martin, “Ontario Police Say 6-year-old Accidentally Shot 3-year-old Child on Wednesday Night,”richlandsource.com (January 22, 2026).