Craig Curtis, a Raleigh, North Carolina teenager, was shot and killed today. Police have charged another teenager with involuntary manslaughter and Curtis’s brother says the incident was an accident. However, the circumstances of this unintended shooting incident have not been released. “A gun is not the answer to everything,” Curtis’s great-aunt said at a vigil …
Category: Child Under 18 (as Shooter)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2023
Brayden Wrana, a Mineral City, Ohio 14-year-old, accidentally shot himself in the head while playing with a loaded gun he found in his home. Brayden was an 8th grade student. His 11-year-old sister was present at the time of the shooting and called 911. Source: Nancy Molnar, “Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office Investigating Shooting Death of …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Indiana No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation
MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 2023
James Martin, a 15-year-old, died in Indianapolis, Indiana in an unintentional shooting that occurred at his home. Police have arrested and released a person of interest, who also appears to be a juvenile, after determining that the shooting was likely to have been unintentional. According to the report, “[p]olice said the shooting appears to be …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Arizona California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Illinois Michigan No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Texas
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2023
January 1, 2023 does not bode well for gun safety in the New Year because there were too many gun accidents to meaningfully consider, including many that appear to have resulted from celebratory gunfire. Among the reported incidents: In Van Buren County, Michigan, 62-year-old Christopher Toppenberg was charged with murder Wednesday in connection with the …
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2022
On New Year’s Eve, two toddlers were shot in Shreveport, Louisiana, one fatally. Minimal details have been reported other than that the two kids found a gun in their home and one of them fired it. A four-year-old died and a three-year-old was struck in the arm and is expected to survive. Two adults were …
Adult Death California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Juvenile Arrested Maryland Michigan Missouri Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2022
At least six people were killed or injured in separate gun accidents today, three of them children, the others young adults. In Pittsburg, California, a 15-year-old was shot and killed by another 15-year-old, apparently unintentionally. The shooter was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. However, minimal details have been released. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, an …
Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Mississippi Missouri No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2022
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.” …
Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Louisiana New York No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation South Carolina
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2022
40-year-old Mathew Roach of Elgin, South Carolina was killed in a hunting accident today. The circumstances of the accident have not been released. His obituary says, “Matt loved his family with all his heart. He enjoyed spending time at the ocean, saltwater fishing, golf, Gamecock football, coaching baseball, grilling, ‘playing’ guitar, dancing in the living …
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2022
In Atlanta, a 2-year-old found a gun in their home and shot themself. The child’s mother drove them to a fire station and the child is expected to survive. According to the report, there is an ongoing investigation. Source: “2-year-old Accidentally Shoots Themself, Atlanta Police Say,” wsbtv.com (December 22, 2022).
Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Illinois Juvenile Arrested Ongoing Investigation
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2022
In Chicago, Illinois, a 50-year-old man sitting in his car in a local park was struck by a stray bullet and killed. He was an innocent bystander to a nearby disturbance according to the report. No one is in custody in connection with the shooting. In LaGrange, Georgia, a 15-year-old girl was struck in the …
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2022
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 …
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2022
A 17-year-old San Antonio, Texas teen is in critical condition after being shot in the chest by a 16-year-old friend while the two were allegedly “playing with a gun.” According to the report, the 16-year-old pointed the gun at the 17-year-old and said “I’m gonna kill you,” before pulling the trigger. He then called 911 …
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2022
In Terre Haute, Indiana, a 16-year-old was purportedly unloading a semi-automatic handgun for cleaning and “unintentionally discharged one round” that struck 21-year-old Bryar Laws. Laws was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries. There is an ongoing investigation. Source: Sky Christian, “Unintentional Shooting Leads to Death in Greene Co.” mywabashvalley.com (December 19, …
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022
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 …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Michigan New York No Charges Filed North Carolina Ongoing Investigation West Virginia
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2022
A Bluefield, West Virginia 2-year-old and two siblings, age 4 and 6, were playing in a bedroom of their home when the 2-year-old found a loaded .40 caliber pistol and shot himself in the leg. “The hollow-point bullet went through his thigh,” according to a police spokesperson. Although the child lost “a substantial amount of …
Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns North Carolina
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2022
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 …
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2022
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).
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022
Stonecrest Mall in Stonecrest, Georgia was closed for 90 minutes on Saturday when a 14-year-old boy was found with a gunshot wound to his lower leg. Based on an initial investigation, Police believe that the boy unintentionally shot himself. It is unclear how he got a gun or why he brought it to the mall. …
Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Juvenile Arrested No Charges Filed Tennessee
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2022
A Memphis, Tennessee school was placed on lockdown after a 15-year-old accidentally discharged a weapon that he had brought to school. According to the report, another student went to the school nurse with a gunshot wound to his leg. The 15-year-old was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment. Apparently, the incident did not result in …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Louisiana Ongoing Investigation
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2022
In Rockford, Illinois, a six-year-old child found an unattended loaded gun and fired it, striking a 28-year-old woman. The woman was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition. Khadijah Morris, 28, and Ashley Laures, 29, were charged with endangering the life and health of a child. Recently, on November 20, another Rockford six-year-old …
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 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 …
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022
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 …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Indiana Nebraska Ongoing Investigation
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2022
An Elkhart, Indiana five-year-old with access to a loaded gun accidentally shot himself in the arm today. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. A police investigation is ongoing. And in Beatrice, Nebraska, a woman was shot by a friend when he was “demonstrating how to stop a hammer from falling in case someone pointed a …
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2022
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 …
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2022
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 …
Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Mississippi North Carolina Ongoing Investigation
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2022
A Johnston County, North Carolina two-year-old found a gun in his home and accidentally shot himself. He was taken to the hospital in stable condition and there is an ongoing investigation. A Corinth, Mississippi two-year-old was also unintentionally shot today. According to the report, the child was “stabilized after surgery.” The circumstances of the incident …
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022
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 …
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022
In Algood, Tennessee, a three-year old girl found a loaded gun in her home. She shot and injured herself. The girl was airlifted to the hospital and there is no report on her condition. Two parents were home at the time of the incident. According to the report, there is an ongoing investigation, but no …
Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) New Mexico North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Texas
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2022
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 …
MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2022
On Halloween day in Bridgeport Township, Michigan, a seven-year-old found an unattended gun in his home and shot himself in the head. T-Keeyha Lane, a woman who lived with the boy and his mother, was arrested and charged with second degree child abuse, presumably for having left the gun where the boy could gain access …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Juvenile Arrested Pennsylvania
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2022
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 …
Adult Arrested Arkansas Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Ohio Ongoing Investigation
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2022
In Niles Ohio, an 11-year old girl was accidentally shot at a house party. Local police say that underage drinking and negligence factored into the incident. Three people were arrested and charged in the shooting, including two juveniles. The victim was not drinking and “the negligence pertains to other juveniles present and the adult that …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Texas
MONDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2022
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 …
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2022
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. …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia No Charges Filed North Dakota
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2022
In Bismarck, North Dakota, 19-year-old Timothy Duran was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment after shooting a 23-year old friend. Both the victim, whose condition has not been released, and Duran told police that the shooting was an accident. They were playing with guns when one of them discharged. In Bibb County, Georgia, a 16-year-old …
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2022
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 …
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2022
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 …
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2022
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 …
MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2022
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 …
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2022
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 …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Louisiana Ongoing Investigation South Carolina
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2022
Lindell Mays of New Orleans, Louisiana was arrested today after a four-year old boy was shot in the parking lot of a local store. Mays was charged by New Orleans police with mishandling a firearm “with respect to minors.” It is unclear if the boy got ahold of the gun in a car when he …
Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ohio Uncategorized
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2022
Tykeese Dondasse, age 5, of Columbus, Ohio and his mother were visiting his aunt today, when the boy found a loaded gun at his aunt’s house and shot himself in the head. The gun belonged to his aunt’s boyfriend, who had left the gun on a bed while playing video games. According to the report, …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Ongoing Investigation Texas
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
A two-year old Joliet, Illinois child found a loaded gun in a bedroom at his home and shot himself in the head. He is in critical condition at the hospital. The boy’s mother was home at the time of the incident and is cooperating with police. In Grape Creek, Texas, police arrested Mathew South, 32, …
Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ohio Ongoing Investigation Virginia
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2022
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 …
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022
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 …
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2022
In Spartanburg, South Carolina, Cora Lyn Bush, 33, was shot and killed by her three-year old son who had found a loaded gun in their home. Police are investigating how the child gained access to the gun. Source: Bill Bates, Bethany Fowler, “3-year-old Accidentally Shoots, Kills Mother in Spartanburg Co.” Queen City News (September 23, …
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
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 …
Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Texas Virginia
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2022
Three children were involved in gun accidents today. The Rhoadsville, Virginia victim was a 7-month old whose injuries are not considered life-threatening. A Columbia, South Carolina teenager who was shooting into a home, inadvertently shot himself in the hand. No other injuries were reported and the boy was arrested without incident. And in San Antonio, …
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 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: …
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2022
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 …
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2022
In Tampa, Florida, a 3-year old got ahold of a loaded handgun and shot his 5-month old sibling in the hip. The baby’s injuries do not appear life-threatening. The children’s mother, Paula Concepcion Santos, was arrested and charged with child neglect with great bodily harm. “While we’re incredibly thankful this infant was not fatally injured, …
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2022
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 …
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022
Aston Simmons, a 28-year old Apollo Beach man, was arrested after a 5-year old found a loaded gun in a bedroom and shot himself. A substantial amount of marijuana was also found at the scene. The child is in critical condition at the hospital. Simmons has been charged with unlawful storage of a firearm among …
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2022
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 …
THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2022
At a park in Houston, Texas today, a two-year old boy was able to get hold of a gun and use it to shoot himself in the hand. Police said there were several men sitting at a table in the park. “At some point, one of the men pulled out the gun and placed it …
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2022
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 …
TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2022
In Williamsport, Pennsylvania, a 13-year old boy found a gun in his home and accidentally shot himself in the leg. Police are investigating how he got the gun. Source: Rayna McGlynn, “PD: Boy Accidentally Shoots Himself in Leg, Officials Investigate How He Obtained Gun,” Fox 56 (August 24, 2022).
Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Juvenile Arrested Michigan Ongoing Investigation Tennessee
MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2022
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 …
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19, 2022
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 …
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022
In Ruskin, Florida, a 17-year old brought a gun to high school in his car. When his friend, a former student, found the gun, he accidentally shot himself, but was then able to drive himself to the hospital. The 17-year old was arrested and charged with possession of a gun on school property. The school …
Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Indiana Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2022
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, …
TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2022
In Rosebud, Missouri, a 10-month old baby was shot in the stomach by a three-year old child. The toddler had taken the gun from a purse on the counter in their home. According to the report, there is an ongoing investigation. Source: Zachary Farwell, “Investigators Determine Shooting of Baby in Gasconade County as Accidental,” ABC 17 …
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2022
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 …
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2022
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 …
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022
In Eastpointe, Michigan, a five-year old boy found a loaded .40-caliber Sig Sauer handgun in his home and shot himself in the foot. The boy’s uncle, Laron Alston, who was looking after the boy, had hidden the gun in the cushions of a recliner because there was no gun safe at the residence. The boy …
MONDAY, AUGUST 8, 2022
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 …
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2022
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: …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Alabama Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida Maryland Mississippi No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Texas
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2022
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 …
Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) New Mexico Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2022
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 …
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2022
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; …
MONDAY, JULY 25, 2022
In a Port Allen, Louisiana incident in which two teenagers were attempting to rob a man at 4:30 in the morning, one of the teens accidentally shot the other in a struggle with the intended victim. According to authorities, a 15-year-old and a 16-year-old planned to rob the man at gunpoint with an assault rifle …
Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Missouri No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2022
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 …
Adult Arrested Alabama Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Juvenile Arrested Missouri No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania South Carolina
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022
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. …
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2022
A Wichita, Kansas two-year old had access to a loaded gun in his home and used it to shoot himself in the leg. Police were called to the hospital rather than to the scene and are currently investigating. And a Zachary, Louisiana, a two-year old pulled a gun out of his mother’s purse and shot …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Michigan Mississippi
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2022
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 …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Alabama Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Illinois Indiana No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Virginia
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 2022
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 …
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 2022
In Union County, Tennessee, a “small child” found a handgun in their parent’s car and used it to shoot one of their parents. The injured parent was taken to the hospital for treatment. No other details were reported. Source: “Union Co. Deputies: Parent Hospitalized After Small Child Accidentally Shot Them,” wbir.com (July 16, 2022).
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022
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 …
Alabama Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois New York No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania
MONDAY, JULY 11, 2022
At least five children were shot and injured today in various circumstances, continuing to illustrate just how dangerous guns are around American children. Also today, four teenagers were killed in apparently intended gun violence incidents. Without taking away from the horrific nature of intended gun violence across the United States, the focus here remains on …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Alabama Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Michigan Ongoing Investigation Tennessee
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2022
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 …
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 2022
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 …
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2022
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 …
Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Massachusetts No Charges Filed
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022
At the state police academy in New Braintree, Massachusetts, a state police trainee shot himself in the leg during a training. The gun discharged while the trainee was holstering it. The injury is not considered life-threatening. In Molino, Florida, a 17-year old with a gun at a party shot himself in the leg while attempting …
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2022
Two Louisiana teenagers were shot and injured accidentally today. Neither report indicates the extent of the child’s injuries nor how the teenagers got access to a gun. In Luling, Louisiana, police reported that a 17-year old accidentally shot himself. Police noted that there was no threat to the public but that the community should expect …
Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania Wisconsin
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2022
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, …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Missouri No Charges Filed
THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2022
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 …
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2022
In Campbell County, Wyoming, a three-year old found a loaded gun “lying around” in a bedroom and accidentally shot himself in the stomach. The boy was taken by air ambulance to a hospital in Casper and is expected to survive. Wyoming has no safe storage or child access prevention law and no arrests were made. …
TUESDAY, JUNE 28, 2022
A six-year old boy in Forest Park, Illinois found his uncle’s loaded gun in a bag in a closet at his home and accidentally shot off his finger. The boy’s grandmother and uncle took him to the hospital and his uncle later returned home to retrieve the finger, according to the report. Emergency staff at …
Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Juvenile Arrested Missouri Ongoing Investigation Texas West Virginia
SUNDAY, JUNE 26, 2022
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 …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns North Carolina Ongoing Investigation
SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022
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,” …