Reports of Unintended Gun Violence Collected from Media Reports Across the United States
A child in Springfield, Missouri died today in an unintentional shooting, but few details have been reported, including the circumstances of the accident. Not even the child’s age is available. A neighbor said, ”[m]y kids play with their kids, and I’m just glad my kids weren’t over there because an accident could happen to anybody.” …
Quezariah Jackson, age three, of Kansas City, Missouri, was shot and killed on Christmas Eve. Police have released few details of the incident other than to state that the killing was unintentional and that they are not looking for any suspects. Cesar Montelongo, 53, a Grand Prairie, Texas maintenance worker was found lying on a …
In Columbia, South Carolina, two children found a loaded gun in their home and took it outside to play with it in the family car. The gun fired and nine-year old Christopher Scott III, a fourth grader, was killed. The Sheriff’s Department says the death “was an accident due to two children playing with a …
In Lakeland, Florida, a 12-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed himself after finding a gun at a friend’s house during a sleepover. The boy and his 13-year-old friend were in the garage and found a gun in one of the family’s vehicles. According to the report, there were no adults at home at this time …
Michael Ben Mendoza, of Gastonville, North Carolina, age 4, died today after he and a sibling found a loaded gun in their home. Michael’s parents, Savannah Leigh Brehm, 22, and Hector Manuel Mendoza, 22, as well as another relative, Keith Deshawn Sturghill, 19, were booked on charges of felony involuntary manslaughter, felony child abuse and …
A 12-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed himself in Hunstsville, Alabama today. The circumstances of the accident were not reported, but no charges are expected. Source: William Thornton, “12-year-old Huntsville Boy Dies of Self-inflicted Gunshot,” Al.com (December 12, 2022).
15-year-old Darrell Hobley of Miami, Florida was arrested and charged with manslaughter for shooting and killing 17-year-old Mekhi Stevenson at a gathering of kids. Hobley incorrectly believed that the gun was not loaded when it fired. According to the report, Hobley had pulled the gun to show it to other kids and was waving it …
In Kansas City, Kansas, police are investigating an incident in which a four-year-old boy shot himself after finding a loaded gun. He later died at the hospital. No other details are available. In Memphis, Tennessee, a three-year-old boy is in critical condition after finding and pulling the trigger on a loaded gun. Police say the …
In Jackson, Mississippi, a game of Russian Roulette resulted in the death of 12-year-old Markell Noah. He had been originally thought missing before authorities found his body in an abandoned home. Two minors face murder charges, while an adult is facing an accessory to murder charge, authorities said. The investigation is ongoing. A newly enacted …
Easton Thom, an 11-year old boy in Green Lake County, Wisconsin, was shot and killed today in an incident that authorities have deemed a hunting accident. Thom was a middle school student. He was flown to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. Authorities say the boy was shot in the chest …
In New Roads, Louisiana, a 13-year-old riding a four-wheeler along a levee was shot and killed by a stray bullet today. The round was fired by one of two men who were engaged in target practice at the time. Donell Francois Jr., and Quentin Leonard ll were arrested and charged with of illegal discharge of …
In Taylorsville, Utah, police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 3-year-old boy. Police told a local news outlet “that the fatality looks to be the result of an accident where the toddler found the gun and shot himself … foul play does not seem to be a contributing factor.” Both parents were home at …
According to court documents, 19-year-old Joseph Jackson of Muncie, Indiana told police he “left a 9mm Glock 19 sitting on a dollhouse in a room that he shared with [his girlfriend], her 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter.” The four-year old found the gun, which was apparently loaded, and accidentally shot himself. The boy was taken …
Eleven-year-old She’Marion Burse of Miami, Florida was shot and killed today by a 13-year old sibling. The boy was airlifted to the hospital where he died. Police said there were five siblings home alone in the apartment at the time of the shooting, ranging from 9 to 15 years old. Investigators said that the boy’s …
19-year old Dax Goodwin was arrested and charged with manslaughter after an unintentional shooting today in Tonopah, Arizona. According to the report Goodwin shot another teenager in the head with a gun he believed to be unloaded. The two were on a hunting trip driving in separate pick-up trucks at the time of the incident. …
A six-year-old and a twelve-year-old were shot and killed today with guns that they found in their homes. The six-year-old, Zi Zi Olmstead, was killed at his home in Calhoun, North Carolina, when he found a Taurus 9mm pistol in his mother’s bedroom while she was outside with the dog. Zi Zi’s mother heard a …
At least five people died in unintended shootings in the United States today. In Charlotte, North Carolina, Demario Warren, a four-year-old, apparently found gun in his home and accidentally shot and killed himself. Dayshawn St’Paul Warren, the boy’s father, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. “This isn’t a situation where we are asking the …
Riley Shearer, an Erie, Pennsylvania high school freshman, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault after unintentionally shooting and killing his 14-year-old girlfriend while waving around a shotgun. The victim, an eighth grader, was killed by a shotgun blast to the head in a bedroom of a local home. Shearer, age 16, told police that …
Seven-year-old Akeem Briscoe of Chicago, Illinois was killed by a stray bullet today when a gang fight erupted in the alley outside his home. Akeem, a second grader, is the 12th child, age 13 or younger, to be killed in Chicago this year, and his death comes just days after an 8-year-old Chicago boy was …
Eight-year-olds in Texas and Illinois were unintentionally shot and killed by young family members who were handling guns today. In Houston, Texas, an eight-year-old boy was unintentionally shot and killed by his 10-year-old sister who was handling a loaded shotgun. The family is believed to have recently moved to the Houston area from Venezuela. A …
Three-year old Dmarian Siempre was shot and killed today in Cincinnati, Ohio. Deangelo Davis, 37, was arrested Monday in connection with the shooting and was charged with endangering children. According to the report, Davis left his loaded gun where his kids, ages six and three, had access to it inside a home on Roe Street. …
Cesar Chavez, age 22, of Houston, Texas, believed a shotgun was unloaded when he fired it. He struck and killed his 12-year-old nephew, who was playing with a toy gun at the time of the incident. Chavez has been charged with manslaughter. Source: Moriah Ballard, “Bond Set at $100K for Uncle Who Discharged Gun at …
Warren Oser, age 2, of Benson, North Carolina, climbed into the cab of his father’s pickup truck where found a loaded handgun. The sheriff’s office reported that “Oser was able to discharge the weapon, which resulted in injuries to himself.” The toddler later died at the hospital. “The death investigation is considered to be an …
A Westminster, Colorado teenager involved in a high-speed chase in a stolen car unintentionally shot and killed himself when the vehicle crashed while making a turn at an excessive rate of speed. Police had identified the stolen car based on witness statements and were involved in a chase on local streets. They were aware that …
18-year old Tristan Kimes of Jackson, Mississippi, gave his loaded gun to a nine-year old to play with, perhaps unaware that it was loaded. Minutes later, the 9-year old shot and killed another 9-year old child — elementary school student, Lily Bracey. Kimes is charged with tampering with evidence, possession of a stolen firearm, contributing …
Isreal Whirley, a St. Louis, Missouri two-year old, found a loaded gun in his father’s car and shot himself in the parking lot of a local auto parts store. He later died at the hospital. According to reports, Isreal found the gun between the center console and the driver’s seat of the car. His mother …
In Motley, Minnesota, Jeremy Her, a 12-year old boy, was unintentionally shot and killed by his uncle while squirrel hunting on public land. He was airlifted to a local hospital but did not survive. According to a Go Fund Me page, the boy was struck in the spinal cord. Source: “12-year-old Fatally Shot by Uncle …
In Little Rock, Arkansas, Raniyah Basir, a one-year old child, died of a gunshot wound today. Although details are murky, it appears that the child found a gun belonging to her father and shot herself while unattended. Raniyah’s mother, Keiundrea Davis, was arrested and charged with manslaughter. Her father, Rahim Basir, who was apparently not …
Shayma Roman, a Brooklyn, New York teenager was struck by two bullets when a group of young men opened fire on the street, apparently aiming at someone else. Shayma died in her sister’s arms. No arrests have been made. “You took a child!,” said her stepfather. “You took a granddaughter! You took a sister! …. …
Police in St. Clairsville, Ohio have released few details about the shooting death of a two-year old in that community other than to make clear that the incident was accidental. “The only info we are releasing so far is there was an accidental discharge of a firearm that has resulted in the death of a …
A 12-year old Milwaukee, Wisconsin boy found an unattended gun in his home and accidentally shot himself to death. According to police, “a 33-year-old woman was arrested for leaving the gun unattended.” The news release added, “MPD would like to remind the public to secure your firearm with a gunlock and storage it [sic] out …
Kai Rowan Turner, age 2, of Battle Creek, Michigan was shot and killed today when “multiple, multiple” shots were fired into his home. The toddler was the only victim of the drive-by shooting. “This is an innocent child, a 2-year-old that is now longer with us,” a Battle Creek Police Deputy Chief told reporters Tuesday …
A Detroit, Michigan mom has been arrested and charged in connection with the death of her 8-year-old daughter. Officials said that the woman’s 10-year-old son found an unsecured handgun while he and his 8-year-old sister were home alone. He fired a round that struck and killed the girl. “How many children have to die because …
A Parkman, Maine 18-year old who was target shooting with friends was struck and killed today. According to the report, one of the rounds the teen fired struck a steel plate, ricocheted, and killed the boy. There is an ongoing investigation. Source: “Man Dead After Parkman Shooting Accident,” WABI 5 (September 9, 2022).
In Houston, Texas, 17-year old Dominque McCoy was unintentionally shot and killed today. According to authorities, he was shot by another 17-year old, Reginald Smalls, who says he was startled by McCoy and was firing in self-defense. Smalls has been arrested and charged with manslaughter. It is not clear how Smalls got a gun. Source: …
Malachi Copeland, an Evansville, Indiana first grader, apparently found a loaded gun in his home and shot himself in the head. Police are investigating his death, and no one has been charged at this time. Malachi’s school issued a statement that included the following: The Joshua Academy school community is deeply saddened by the sudden …
17-year old Shantasia O’Bryan was shot and killed today by her boyfriend’s 15-year old brother, who was playing with gun in the backseat of a car in which Shantasia was riding. The boy was arrested and charged with manslaughter. “I don’t know what he was doing with a gun. It doesn’t make any sense, why …
One-year old Khori Patterson of St. Louis, Missouri found a loaded gun in his home and shot himself in the head. He later died at the hospital. “This is just a terrible tragedy that should have never happened. Guns are inherently dangerous,” a police colonel said. Khori’s grandfather said that Khori “loved animals, eating ice …
In Anchor Point, Alaska, Kenneth Defrancesco, 80, appeared to have been killed while getting out of his vehicle. “[A] firearm he was carrying came out of the holster and fired a round, fatally wounding him,” Alaska State Troopers reported in a press release on Sunday. A friend found Defrancesco in his driveway after he had …
In Gainsville, Florida, a three-year old child who was home with two other children and an adult who was not his parent, took a loaded gun from an unlocked case and shot himself. The child later died at the hospital. “Well, the case is still under investigation, but what we know at this point, it …
A Stone Mountain, Georgia 17-year old, Dimitri Hayes, was accidentally shot by his twin brother, Xavier, when the two were playing with a gun in their bedroom. Dimitri was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries. Xavier was charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. There is no report at this …
Ashton Bean, a Picayune, Mississippi 13-year old, was shot and killed inside a home today where he and another boy were handling a gun. The news reports are unclear about how the boys got hold of the gun. The incident remains under investigation. Source: “13-year-old Dies After Gun Discharged Inside Mississippi House,” Magnolia State Live …
In Lake County, Indiana, an 8-year old accidentally shot himself to death today. The child was the second in the region to lose his life to an unintended gunshot wound in the last two months, illustrating the urgency in Indiana to enact more effective safe storage and child access prevention laws. According to the report, …
In Smyrna, Tennessee, Lavonte’e Williams, a five-year old, found a loaded gun in his father’s backpack and used it to shoot and kill himself. The incident happened at a basketball court where the boy’s father was playing. There is an ongoing investigation. Source: Erin McCullough, “Child Killed in Smyrna Accidental Shooting Found Gun in Father’s …
Jordan Esteban, a 17-year old boy, died of a gunshot wound to the head in a Tulsa, Oklahoma parking lot today. 21-year old Oscar Zermeno was arrested after the incident. According to Zermeno and other witnesses, Esteban was shot accidentally as occupants of a parked vehicle passed a gun around inside the car. Source: Callie …
A St. Petersburg, Florida 15-year old accidentally shot and killed himself today while handling a pistol. Officials said this is at least the third accidental shooting involving a Tampa Bay area child since the middle of July. Last month, a 16-year-old was killed when investigators said he was accidentally shot by a 15-year-old friend while they …
“A person” in Hertford, North Carolina was killed in an accidental shooting today. The Sheriff’s Office found that an accidental discharge of a weapon resulted in the death of the victim. According to another report, the “person” involved was an 18-year who died from a single accidental blast of a shotgun. Sources: Alton Worley, II, …
18-year old Tavbey Kucukkarca died of his wounds after being shot by a 15-year old friend in a rural area of Texas. The two were firing guns together when the accident occurred. Tavbey died at the scene despite dispatch of EMS helicopters. Source: Jana Kilcrease, “One Central Texas Teen Dead in ‘Accidental’ Shooting,” Killeen Daily …
In Atlanta, Georgia, four-year old Kendall Lewis found a loaded gun in the back seat of her car while her mother was driving on the interstate. She shot and killed herself. Her mother, Kaelin Lewis, was charged with murder. The family remembered Kendall as a “boisterous and lively four-year-old.” She was excited about starting Pre-K. Source: …
There were at least five gun accidents involving children across the United States today, four of them fatal. In Forestdale, Alabama, a 12-year old accidentally shot and killed his mother. The child initially made up an implausible story but then admitted his role in the shooting. “This offense is a tragedy for the … family …
Zyon Williams, 19, of Clovis, New Mexico told police he was walking with two of his friends with his grandmother’s 9mm XD pistol tucked into the waistband of his pants. He was playing with the pistol as he approached the building where Shammiel Kirven, age 17, was standing and he pointed it at her. The gun …
Demetrius Clarke of Oxon Hill, Maryland, age 18, was arrested and charged with manslaughter after a gun he was handling discharged and shot and killed his 16-year old friend. The 16-year old was dropped off at a local fire station and later died at the hospital. Source: “PGPD Charges Male With Manslaughter in Oxon Hill,” …
Jesus Miguel Gamboa, age 24, of Chaparral, New Mexico was charged with child abuse after his three-year old daughter found a loaded handgun in his home and shot herself in the neck. Gamboa was reportedly in the bathroom at the time of the incident. The girl is in stable condition at the hospital. Police are …
Maria Nealy, age 34, of San Antonio, Texas, was sitting on a bed in her apartment playing with a gun according to witnesses, when the weapon discharged. The round passed through a wall and struck and killed April Longoria, age 33, in the next room. Longoria reportedly said “that hurt” before “bleeding out from her …
A Muncie, Indiana six-year old shot his five year old sister in the head today with a loaded handgun that he had removed from his parents’ gun safe. The girl died at the hospital. According to the report, the child found the key to the safe and removed the gun while his mother was napping; …
In St. Petersburg, Florida, nine-year old Julian Ali died today in what police are calling an accidental shooting without providing details about the nature of the incident. Julian was home with an adult and three other children at the time of the incident. According to the report, police are working to determine who owned the …
In North Charleston, South Carolina today, Micah Simmons, a 13-year old, was fatally shot when another child tried to grab a loaded gun from him. Micah died at the hospital. Police say that no charges are likely to be filed and there is no reporting on why Micah had the gun in the first instance. …
In Detroit, Michigan, a 13-year old playing with a gun accidentally shot and killed his 12-year old cousin, Kenyon Davis. The older boy was charged with manslaughter after the incident. “It is a sad, sad situation that could’ve been avoided if parents put away their guns,” said a neighbor. And in Rogersville, Mississippi, 20-year old …
In Cochran Georgia, two young children were the unintended victims of gun violence today. According to law enforcement, bullets fired at a local housing complex struck and killed two-year-old Yasir Satterwhite and injured four-year-old Tamir Satterwhite. The older boy is in stable condition at the hospital after surgery. Authorities “feel confident” that the two …
A Kouts, Indiana two-year old died today after finding a loaded gun at home and shooting himself. The boy, Wyatt Luczak, died at the hospital. After a month-long investigation, no charges were filed. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” the prosecutor said. In Baldwin, County, Alabama, a four-year old faces surgery after he …
The recent epidemic of accidental shootings involving Milwaukee, Wisconsin children continued today when two-year old Ranyla Tharp died at 9:10 AM this morning in a gun incident that Milwaukee police describe as “accidental.” No further details have been reported other than that a 33-yead old woman has been taken into custody. Source: Steven Martinez, “The …
A Pine Bluffs, Arkansas 5-year old accidentally shot and killed his 8-year old brother with an unsecured gun today. “This is a tragic incident that could have been avoided. I can’t emphasize strongly enough that guns need to be well secured and kept out of the hands and away from children at all times,” the …
In Guthrie, Oklahoma, a ten year old found a gun in his home. He shot and killed his 12-year old brother. The boy died at the hospital. There is no report that anyone has been charged in connection with the incident. In New Orleans, Louisiana, 18-year old Zyaire Cornelius was arrested after his two-year old …
Three more young people were unintentionally shot and killed today. In Detroit, Michigan, 14-year old Kaniyah Bryant was unintentionally shot and killed by her 13-year old boyfriend. According to police, the two children were among a group who were passing around and playing with a stolen gun when the 13-year old shot Kaniyah. She was …
Lynzell Anderson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, age 34, is facing negligent homicide charges after his four year old son found a loaded gun under the seat of the family car and shot himself in the face. The boy died at the scene. Anderson told police he had left his son momentarily unsupervised when he went …
In Wynne, Arkansas, a 10-year old was shot by his 13-year old brother in their home with an unsecured gun. The younger boy was found “bleeding profusely” from a chest wound and was taken the Memphis for treatment. Local police said the shooting appeared to be a “heartbreaking accident.” The police chief added, “[i]f your …
A’Kai Stilo of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, age 3, found a gun in his home and shot himself to death. A 28-year old woman has been arrested in connection with the incident. Milwaukee police said there have been 15 fatal shooting victims ages 18 and younger this year. “I am disturbed by all gun deaths in Milwaukee, …
In St. Louis, Missouri, a 4-year old found a loaded gun and died after accidentally shooting himself today. Minimal details were reported and there is no word about charges. In Dekalb, Illinois, three men were arrested after they failed to take proper safety precautions while engaging in target practice. One of their rounds passed into …
Eleven-year old Jakari Griffin of Louisville, Kentucky was shot and killed while at home with relatives today. So far, police have declined to describe the specific circumstances of the incident but have issued this statement: “[a]fter conducting all interviews, we believe, at this time, this incident was accidental. We will continue to follow-up to ensure …
Four children, aged 16 and under, were unintentionally shot and killed today. In Escambia County, Florida, one-year old Kacey Bass was shot and killed and her two-year old sister was injured by an eight-year old who was playing with his father’s gun. According to the report, the boy took the gun from his father’s closet …
In Charlotte, North Carolina, a one-year old girl was shot and killed by her 7-year old brother, who also injured himself. According to a neighbor, a friend had come to visit and had left the loaded gun used in the incident in her purse. “He’s seven. He might have thought it was a play gun,” …
In Chicago, Illinois, Cecilia Thomas, a six-month old girl was shot and killed in her car seat when someone opened fire on her father’s car. According to the report, the shooter is believed to be a woman. Police are investigating. Source: “6-month-old Baby Girl Shot in the Head and Killed,” Chicago Journal (June 24, 2022).
A two-year old New Orleans, Louisiana boy found a loaded gun and used it to shoot and kill himself. His parents have been detained for questioning but no charges have been filed. “Everyone has a constitutional right to carry a weapon of course, but we need to do so responsibly,” said New Orleans’ police chief. …
Taniya Jones, a Washington, DC sixteen-year old was shot and killed in an incident that police blamed in “negligent weapon handling.” The specific circumstances of Taniya’s death have not been reported. Taniya was the eldest of three sisters and a rising high school junior who dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. “She was a full-of-life, sweet …
A West Memphis, Arkansas two-year old was killed and his mother was injured today in a drive-by shooting. The police do not believe that either was an intended target. “It’s always tragic to her when a little one has been the result of a community violence, and that’s one of the reasons why we’re trying …
Eric Joseph Adams of D’Iberville Mississippi called police after his rifle discharged “unexpectedly” while he was putting it away. The round tore through the door of a neighboring apartment and struck and killed Stayvia Leone Hood, age 23. Adams was arrested and charged with manslaughter. “It’s just horrible, just horrible,” the local police chief said. …
Torqavious Johnson, age 18, of Greer, South Carolina, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter when he picked up a handgun that had fallen on the floor and attempted to return it to 17-year old Dalorian Tyler. According to witnesses, the gun was pointed at Tyler and discharged as Johnson handed it to him. Tyler …
At least five children were killed or injured today as unintended consequences of other people’s gun violence. The grim toll: Mariyah Lacy, age 5, of Jackson, Mississippi, was killed when her mother’s ex-boyfriend shot into her mother’s car in an argument over money. Mariyah’s two siblings were uninjured, but her mother was grazed by a …
An 18-year old woman accidentally killed 15-year old Achilles Lopez today while handling a gun inside a Pembroke Pines, Florida home. Police called the shooting unintentional but negligent. Lopez’s sister posted to social media Monday, writing, “[w]ords cannot explain how much I miss you. Fly high you beautiful angel…” Source: Vanessa Medina, “Family Member Handling …
Anthony James Madrid, a four-year old Beaumont, Texas boy, found a loaded gun and accidentally shot and killed himself in his home. Several adults and other children were at home at the time of the incident. Police are investigating, but have not yet made an arrest. Local child protection authorities are also involved. “The detectives …
Cayden Williams, age 10, of Cleveland, Ohio, was shot and killed in his bedroom when his aunt mishandled a gun in an upstairs room. The bullet passed through the ceiling and struck Cayden in the head. Police said the round went through the floor and ricocheted off a mirror before striking Cayden. Cayden’s aunt was …
In Mount Croghan, South Carolina, a 15-year old accidentally shot and killed her 15-year old boyfriend while the two children were playing with a gun. The girl has been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. “Looked like they were playing with a gun, handgun, and the gun went off, the safety somehow went off …
Gabriel Hojnacki of Grand Rapids, Michigan, age 13, was playing with a gun with a friend when he was accidentally shot and killed. According to his family, “Gabe loved fishing, biking and his five siblings.” The boy who fired the gun was taken into custody. George Gross, the grandfather of the alleged shooter said “it …
Back in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where gun accidents involving children appear common, two children found a loaded gun in their home. A four-year old was shot and injured, but is in stable condition at the hospital. The children’s uncle, Kiante Hawkins, was arrested and charged with negligence. Police determined that he had left the gun …
This page is intentionally left blank in memory of the dead and injured in the Uvalde, Texas elementary school shooting.
For the second time this week, a Phoenix, Arizona teenager accidentally shot a teenage friend today. In the latest incident, Sergio Lopez Ruiz accidentally shot his friend Brian Lujan, also 18, while the two were handling Lopez Ruiz’s gun. Lujan died at the hospital and Lopez Ruiz has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. On …
In what West Valley, Utah police are calling an accidental shooting, an unidentified 14-year old boy shot himself on Saturday. He died at the hospital the next day. Police are investigating various questions, including how the boy got a gun. A man also shot himself in the parking lot at an Orlando, Florida gun show …
In Halifax County, Virginia, a four year-old got hold of a loaded gun inside his family’s trailer. He used it to shoot and kill himself. According to the report, the boy’s toys were still scattered outside. There was no indication of whether charges are being considered. Source: Eric Miller, “4-year-old Boy Dies After Self-inflicted Gunshot …
Savannah Holmes, an Ankeny, Iowa four-year old shot herself in the face with her father’s gun. She later died at the hospital. According to the police, Savannah’s father responded to people pounding on the door by getting a gun and leaving it on the couch while going to get his son. Savannah got out of …
A four-year old Dutton, Alabama boy accidentally shot and killed himself after apparently finding a loaded gun in an unspecified location. He was airlifted to a hospital where he died of his wound. No further information has been reported. Andre Sharp, a 29-year old Dallas man, surrendered to authorities after unintentionally shooting and killing an …