Children and Guns

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Alabama Arizona Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Juvenile Arrested Nevada North Carolina October 19, 2024October 27, 2024 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2024

Three Children and an Unborn Baby Involved in Unintended Shootings; Two Suffered Life-threatening Injuries, Two are Dead Police in Las Vegas, Nevada arrested a 15-year-old boy after what was termed an “accidental shooting.” The victim, a woman, was found shot to death in a vehicle. The boy has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. A toddler …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida Juvenile Arrested Ongoing Investigation October 14, 2024October 21, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024

11-year-old Shot by 14-year-old In a home in West Palm Beach, Florida, an 11-year-old was injured by the unintentional discharge from a gun fired by a 14-year-old. Sitting on a coach across the room, the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, and was treated at the hospital and released the same day. Nine …

Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Michigan August 3, 2024August 19, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2024

Two-year-old Boy Shoots Self with Babysitter’s Unsecured Gun In Warren, Michigan, a two-year-old boy shot himself in the stomach with a handgun he found while in the care of his babysitter. The toddler underwent surgery at the hospital and is now in stable condition. April Green, age 42, was watching the boy and his seven-year-old …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida Ongoing Investigation July 27, 2024August 2, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, JULY 27, 2024

13-year-old Boy Paralyzed After Unintentional Shooting During Sleepover In Port Orange, Florida, 13-year-old Nathaniel Green was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition after he was accidentally shot while sleeping over at a friend’s house. The bullet went through his throat and spinal cord, and he remains in an induced coma paralyzed from the waist …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida July 9, 2024July 14, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

TUESDAY, JULY 9, 2024

11-year-old Girl Allegedly Shot and Killed by Younger Brother In Miami, Florida, 11-year-old Taliyah Clarke was with her nine-year-old brother in their bedroom, when she suffered a gunshot wound to her chest, and later died at the hospital. Detectives found a .40 caliber silver casing on the floor of the children’s room near a dog …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Maryland Oklahoma Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania July 1, 2024July 6, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024

Gun Accidents Involving Young Children; Three-Year-Old is Killed In Columbia, Maryland, a three-year-old was killed with an unsecured handgun in what police say was an accidental shooting. The child was at home with their parents and five-year-old brother. It has not been determined who pulled the trigger, as police continue to investigate. A three-year-old shot a 33-year-old …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Louisiana Ongoing Investigation June 26, 2024June 30, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 2024

Two-Year-Old Finds Loaded Gun and Kills Four-Year-Old Brother Called a “tragic accident” by the sheriff, a two-year-old gained access to a loaded gun and fatally shot his four-year-old brother in a home in Jackson Parish, Louisiana. No further information has been reported, as authorities continue to investigate. Source: “‘Tragic Accident’: Authorities Investigating Accidental Shooting That …

Alabama California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ongoing Investigation Safe Storage in Cars June 8, 2024June 13, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024

Teenager and Toddler Unintentionally Shoot Themselves A 3-year-old boy found a gun in a car and unintentionally shot himself in Midfield, Alabama. He is in critical, but stable condition as police continue to investigate. And at a park in Escondido, California, a 17-year-old boy was in the back of a vehicle with a group of …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida Juvenile Arrested Maryland June 5, 2024June 9, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2024

Two Children Killed in Gun Accidents A 5-year-old killed himself while playing with a loaded gun he found inside a home in Cumberland, Maryland. The child’s father, 31-year-old Warin Torae Foster, was watching the boy at the time, and has been charged with manslaughter, reckless endangerment and allowing firearm access to a minor. Police are …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Juvenile Arrested New York Ongoing Investigation Texas June 2, 2024June 7, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2024

Accidents with Rifle and Sawed-off Shotgun Kill Two People A group of people were socializing in Irving, Texas, when a rifle that Adrien Mendieta, 18, was handling unintentional discharged killed his friend, 20-year-old Aiden Turner. The rifle belonged to one of the witnesses and everyone on the scene cooperated with police. Mendieta was charge with …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Missouri Ohio Ongoing Investigation June 1, 2024June 5, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2024

Two Children Injured After Finding Unsecured Guns In Kansas City, Missouri, a boy less than 5 years-old is in critical condition at the hospital after shooting himself with an unsecured handgun he found. Police have not revealed who the gun belonged to in this ongoing investigation. And in Trotwood, Ohio, two children found a gun …

Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Children and Guns Illinois Indiana Kentucky Ongoing Investigation Texas May 18, 2024May 22, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, MAY 18, 2024

One Dead, Four Injured in Unintentional Shootings Police originally thought the shooting death of a man in Fort Worth, Texas was a homicide, but evidence determined that he accidentally shot himself. No other information has been reported. In Owensboro, Kentucky, police are investigating the shooting of a 17-year-old boy. The boy’s injuries are not life-threatening, from what officers believe …

Adult Death Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida Juvenile Arrested Louisiana Ongoing Investigation May 17, 2024May 24, 2024 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024

One Child Injured and Another Kills His Aunt In New Orleans, Louisiana, a two-year old was shot in the leg under circumstances that have not been fully reported. The toddler was driven to the hospital in a personal vehicle and child abuse detectives are investigating. And in a case that raises complex questions of intent …

Arizona Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation May 16, 2024May 20, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024

Toddler Shoots Self In Head with Unsecured Gun A 3-year-old boy was critically injured after shooting himself in the head in Mesa, Arizona. No other details have been reported, but there is an ongoing investigation to determine whether charges will be filed. Source: Kim Tran, “Mesa Community Shaken as Toddler in Critical Condition After Self-inflicted Gunshot …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Michigan May 15, 2024May 19, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2024

Toddler Kills Self After Finding Loaded Glock In a home in Flint, Michigan, 2-year-old Cortez Legend Guy found a loaded Glock .40-caliber handgun at home and fatally shot himself in the head. Responding police found the mortally wounded toddler and a bloody trail that led them to the gun used. The toddler was pronounced dead …

Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Children and Guns No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Oregon Texas May 14, 2024May 17, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024

Man Killed and Boy Injured in Unintentional Shootings In Enterprise, Oregon, Emanuel “Bill” John Ziegler was killed after unintentionally shooting himself while hunting ground squirrels. He was hunting with friends on private property when the incident occurred. And in the backyard of a home in Houston, Texas, several teenagers were playing with a gun when a 15-year-old …

Adult Injury Alabama Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania Washington, DC May 12, 2024May 17, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SUNDAY, MAY 12, 2024

Three People Injured in Accidental Shootings A 12-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the stomach in Washington, D.C. He was taken to the hospital with injuries that aren’t life-threatening. No other details were reported. Police confirmed that a woman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is in critical condition after shooting herself in the chest four times. They originally considered her husband a suspect, …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Alcohol and Guns Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Juvenile Arrested Ohio Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania Tennessee May 11, 2024May 16, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024

Three People Injured in Unintentional Shootings, Including a 2-year-old Girl A 2-year-old girl was shot and taken to the hospital in critical condition after a firearm unintentionally discharged in an apartment in Knoxville, Tennessee. All individuals involved were questioned by police, and two juvenile boys, ages 12 and 14, have been charged with felony reckless endangerment …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida No Charges Filed North Carolina Ongoing Investigation Texas May 7, 2024May 11, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2024

Three Children Injured in Gun Accidents, Including a 2-year-old A 2-year-old in Zephyrhills, Florida, was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after he shot himself with an unsecured gun. Few details have been reported, but there is an ongoing investigation. In Spring, Texas, a 7-year-old boy gained access to a loaded gun and shot himself in the …

Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Children and Guns No Charges Filed Ohio Ongoing Investigation Tennessee May 5, 2024May 9, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2024

Two Killed in Gun Accidents Involving Toddlers Two-year-old Legend Davidson shot and killed himself after finding an unsecured gun inside a home in Euclid, Ohio. No charges have been filed, but there is an ongoing investigation. And 25-year-old Elonshe Williams was shot and killed while visiting a friend and her two children in an apartment …

Child Death (18 and Under) Children and Guns Ongoing Investigation Tennessee April 29, 2024May 3, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2024

3-year-old Shot and Killed Despite being airlifted to the hospital, a 3-year-old died after being accidentally shot in the head in a home in Henrietta, Tennessee. Investigators have not said who pulled the trigger, but the family told a neighbor that the boy got ahold of the gun in a bedroom while his mother’s back …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida Louisiana Ongoing Investigation April 26, 2024April 30, 2024 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024

Two Boys Unintentionally Shoot Their Younger Brothers, One Fatally Amir Williams, an 11-year-old sixth grader, died in his home in St. Petersburg, Florida, after being unintentionally shot by his 14-year-old brother who was playing with a stolen gun he had found. School was out that day, and the two boys were home with their 13-year-old …

Arizona Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Tennessee April 7, 2024April 11, 2024 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2024

4-year-old Kills Self with Father’s Glock; 13-year-old Accidentally Shot and Killed While Playing with Both Nerf and Real Gun In a home in Memphis, Tennessee, a 4-year-old found his father’s loaded Glock 10mm handgun and fatally shot himself in the head. The boy’s father, Vincent Gilliams, told police the gun was in his pants pocket …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Illinois Juvenile Arrested No Charges Filed Pennsylvania April 6, 2024April 10, 2024 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024

Toddler and Teen Killed in Unintentional Shootings In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 3-year-old Kayden Barnes died after shooting herself in the eye with a gun that her father had left out after cleaning it. Both of her parents were at home when the shooting occurred. Police recovered the gun and a male was questioned and released. No …

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Georgia Louisiana Tennessee Texas April 2, 2024April 6, 2024 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2024

Three Juveniles and Police Chief Injured in Separate Unintentional Shootings In Savannah, Georgia, a 9-year-old boy accidentally shot himself. Few details have been reported, but police say the boy was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A juvenile in Nashville, Tennessee, was accidentally shot through the arm and taken to the hospital for treatment. …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Michigan April 1, 2024April 29, 2024 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, APRIL 1, 2024

5-year-old Killed by 6-year-old After They Find Loaded Gun at Grandparents’ House In Newaygo, Michigan, Braxton Dykstra, a 5-year-old, was shot and killed by a 6-year-old with a loaded gun that the two children found in their grandparents’ bedroom. The 6-year-old was handling the gun when it unintentionally fired. It’s unclear how the children are …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania Texas March 28, 2024April 1, 2024 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024

Infant Killed, and 4-year-old Injured in Unintentional Shootings A 1-year-old girl died at the hospital after being accidentally shot in a residence in Knox City, Texas. It is unclear how the infant was shot, and at least one other child has been taken into the custody of child protective services. The Texas Rangers are assisting …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Juvenile Arrested Virginia March 7, 2024March 11, 2024 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024

14-year-old Shot and Killed After Teens Find Unsecured Gun A 14-year-old was shot and killed after he and two other teens found an unsecured gun in a home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. They were playing around with the firearm when it unintentionally fired. The victim died at the scene. A 16-year-old boy has been charged …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Indiana Ongoing Investigation February 27, 2024March 3, 2024 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2024

Indiana Two-year-old Shoots and Kills Himself After Finding Loaded Gun Jarel Miles, an Indianapolis, Indiana two-year-old, shot and killed himself with a loaded gun he found at home. Police are investigating to determine if charges should be filed. “This is 100% preventable,” the Police Chief said. “We’ve been preaching it over and over again, if …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ongoing Investigation Wisconsin February 18, 2024February 22, 2024 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2024

4-year-old Boy Killed in Accidental Shooting Inside an apartment in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 4-year-old Jamero Edwards was accidentally shot and killed. The mayor said a woman told him that Jamero was shot after her 6-year-old got a hold of the gun in her apartment. Police recovered two guns and are investigating. No one has been charged …

Child Death (18 and Under) Children and Guns Indiana Ongoing Investigation December 4, 2023December 8, 2023 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2023

Toddler Accidentally Shot and Killed In Merrillville, Indiana, 3-year-old King Penro was accidentally shot inside a home, and later died at the hospital. Few details about the incident have been reported. Police recovered a gun at the scene that had fired one round and are continuing to investigate. It is unclear if charges will be …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Kentucky Ongoing Investigation Texas September 7, 2023September 11, 2023 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2023

Two Gun Accidents Involving Toddlers Leaves One Dead, the other in Critical Condition In Corbin, Kentucky, a 3-year-old shot 2-year-old Milo Brooks in the head, killing him. The 3-year-old apparently retrieved a loaded gun that was on top of the refrigerator by crawling on a stool and a cabinet. The sheriff pleaded with parents to …

Adult Injury Alabama Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns No Charges Filed August 1, 2023August 4, 2023 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2023

Four-year-old Shoots Grandmother with Gun Found in Purse A 55-year-old woman in Mobile, Alabama, was unintentionally shot in the leg by her 4-year-old granddaughter with a gun that the child found in her grandmother’s purse. Police were called to the store where the incident occurred, and management instructed shoppers to evacuate. The woman was treated …

Adult Death Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ohio June 16, 2023June 25, 2023 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023

Ohio Mom and Unborn Child Both Die When Two-Year-Old Discharges a Gun Laura Ilg of Norwalk, Ohio, age 31, was shot in the back, reportedly by her two-year-old son, who had found a loaded 9mm pistol on a nightstand in his parents’ bedroom. Neither Ms. Ilg, nor the unborn child, survived. Norwalk police responded to …

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) Mississippi No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Texas June 8, 2023June 12, 2023 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 2023

Six-year-old Shoots Sister While Looking for Candy; Deputy’s Rifle Discharges While Executing a Warrant In Marion County, Mississippi, a 3-year-old was unintentionally shot in the head by her 6-year-old brother. During the investigation, the sheriff’s office learned that the boy came across a loaded firearm while looking for candy in their grandmother’s bedroom. The victim …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Mississippi June 1, 2023June 5, 2023 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2023

11-year-old Finds a Gun in a Closet in His Home Tracy Smith, age 34, of St. Louis, Missouri was charged with reckless child endangerment after the 11-year-old son of his girlfriend found his loaded gun and used it to shoot and kill himself. The boy, David Winston, took the gun from a purse belonging to …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Michigan May 19, 2023May 23, 2023 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2023

Toddler Finds Loaded Glock, Shoots and Kills Himself Kiaire Marquis McCoy, a two-year-old from Kentwood, Michigan, found a loaded gun and shot and killed himself. His mother’s boyfriend, Markus Nevills Jr., 22, was sitting on a couch in the apartment and had tucked his Glock 22, a .40 caliber handgun, between a couch seat cushion …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Alabama California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Indiana Juvenile Arrested Massachusetts No Charges Filed Ohio Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania Tennessee Wisconsin May 12, 2023May 18, 2023 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023

Five Dead and Seven Injured in Unintended Shootings In Indianapolis, Indiana, 5-year-old Hakiem Scott apparently shot himself with an unsecured 9mm gun he found in his home. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition, but died shortly after. His father, 25-year-old Jahbar Scott, was arrested on an allegation of neglect of a dependent …

California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida Georgia Juvenile Arrested Ongoing Investigation April 26, 2023April 30, 2023 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2023

Three Children Dead in Unintended Shootings In Salinas, California, Natalie Romero Puente, an 11-year-old fifth-grade student, accidentally shot and killed herself with her 18-year-old brother’s Glock pistol. The gun had been illegally modified to function fully automatically. A classmate’s parent said, “”My daughter’s taking it pretty hard. They were all classmates, teammates on volleyball and …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Illinois Louisiana Michigan No Charges Filed North Carolina Ongoing Investigation Texas April 20, 2023April 24, 2023 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023

Ten Unintentional Shootings Result in Eight Injuries and the Deaths of Two Children A Ville Platte, Louisiana 3-year-old girl shot herself with an unsecured gun. She was airlifted to Baton Rouge because of the extent of her injuries, where she later died. Nineteen-year-old Nathan Ben was charged with criminal negligence and negligent homicide. Ben was …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns North Carolina April 14, 2023April 18, 2023 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

Three-year-old Finds Gun Under Couch, Shoots and Kills Himself Jaxon Truitt, a three-year-old Charlotte, North Carolina boy, found a loaded gun under a couch in his home and shot and killed himself. The boy’s father, Richard Allen Truitt, age 36, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter and failure to secure a firearm. Truitt is …

Children and Guns Delaware No injuries Ongoing Investigation February 2, 2023February 6, 2023 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2023

Two Children Brought Guns to School in Wilmington, DE Today In unrelated incidents in Wilmington, Delaware two children were found to be in possession of guns at different schools today. Police confirmed that an 8-year-old boy was found with an unloaded gun in his backpack at Shortlidge Elementary School, shortly after a 14-year-old was also …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns North Carolina December 13, 2022December 17, 2022 by Gary Klein

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 …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida Juvenile Arrested November 29, 2022December 2, 2022 by Gary Klein

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 …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Juvenile Arrested Pennsylvania October 29, 2022November 1, 2022 by Gary Klein

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 Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Missouri October 10, 2022October 13, 2022 by Gary Klein

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 …

Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ohio Uncategorized October 1, 2022October 4, 2022 by Gary Klein

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 Death Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ongoing Investigation South Carolina September 21, 2022September 26, 2022 by Gary Klein

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, …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida No Charges Filed August 13, 2022August 16, 2022 by Gary Klein

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 …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns No Charges Filed Texas August 8, 2022August 11, 2022 by Gary Klein

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 …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Georgia August 7, 2022August 10, 2022 by Gary Klein

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 August 6, 2022August 9, 2022 by Gary Klein

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) Children and Guns Indiana July 26, 2022July 29, 2022 by Gary Klein

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; …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Louisiana July 25, 2022July 28, 2022 by Gary Klein

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 Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Louisiana July 8, 2022July 10, 2022 by Gary Klein

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 …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns North Carolina Ongoing Investigation June 25, 2022June 28, 2022 by Gary Klein

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,” …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Children and Guns Mississippi Ohio Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania Texas June 12, 2022June 15, 2022 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 2022

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 …

Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ongoing Investigation Texas May 24, 2022May 26, 2022 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022

This page is intentionally left blank in memory of the dead and injured in the Uvalde, Texas elementary school shooting.

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Tennessee Uncategorized March 27, 2022November 20, 2022 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2022

Bryson Jackson, a Memphis, Tennessee three-year old, shot himself to death today with an unsecured and loaded AR-15 that he found in his home. The guns belonged to his mother’s friend, Tedrick Butler. Bryson’s mom, Tinesha Jackson, had left Bryson and another child at home in the care of an uncle while she and Butler …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Illinois Ongoing Investigation Tennessee March 14, 2022April 24, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022

A Ripley, Tennessee three-year old found a loaded gun in his home and shot himself in the head. He was found dead at the scene. No arrests have been made, but there is an ongoing investigation. Also today, the father of a Dolton, Illinois three-year old who accidentally shot and killed his mother was arrested …

Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Louisiana Ongoing Investigation Virginia March 13, 2022April 24, 2022 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022

Three children found loaded guns in their homes today and injured themselves, two of them in Baton Rouge Louisiana. The two incidents make three accidental shootings in Baton Rouge in just two days. Deetroy Watkins, 26, of Baton Rouge was arrested after he left his gun in a couch cushion. His three-year old son found …

Adult Arrested Arizona Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida Ongoing Investigation Tennessee January 12, 2022January 15, 2022 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

Three more two-year olds were shot and killed today after small children found unattended loaded guns in their homes. Four American two-year olds have died from unintended gun violence in just two days. In Callaway, Florida, a four-year old shot a two-year old sibling, according to the Sheriff’s Office. “We’ll be evaluating and gathering evidence. …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida Ongoing Investigation Texas December 5, 2021December 10, 2021 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2021

From a Facebook post made by the sheriff’s office in Nagadoches County, Texas, we learn today that two young boys were playing in a bedroom with a .380 semi-automatic pistol that had been left unattended. The boys, one ten and the other 13, had been shooting earlier in the day under adult supervision. When the boys …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ongoing Investigation Virginia November 30, 2021December 4, 2021 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021

A Covington, Virginia three-year old found a gun in his home and shot himself to death. His grandfather acknowledged that the gun was his, but told police it was hidden under some clothes. The boy died at the hospital after being airlifted to a trauma center. According to the news report investigators are “searching for …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ohio Tennessee October 25, 2021October 27, 2021 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2021

In Bradley County, Tennessee, a two-year old child found a loaded gun at home, shot themself in the chest, and was later pronounced dead at the local hospital. “A preliminary investigation discovered that the firearm had been left unsecured and the child was able to have access to the weapon.” The child’s father, Matthew Jenkins, …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Children and Guns Pennsylvania Texas October 18, 2021October 22, 2021 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2021

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jeffrey Carter, age 65, was struck in the head and killed by a stray bullet while driving near a local high school. He crashed his SUV off the road at the time of the shooting. A 16-year old boy was also struck in the head by gunfire and taken to the hospital …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Missouri Ongoing Investigation October 9, 2021October 17, 2021 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2021

The Problem of Relying on a Gun Seller as an “Expert” on Gun Safety According to the original report, police concluded that an Independence, Missouri eight-year old found a gun in his family’s home and shot himself. He was transported to the hospital where he later died. “We are just trying to put all the …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Georgia No Charges Filed August 23, 2021August 25, 2021 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021

Ashton Wimbush, an Albany, Georgia two-year old was shot and killed in a gun accident today. The District Attorney announced, “the firearm that was used appears to have been a part of what the two children were apparently playing with.” It is unclear which of the children fired the gun. According to authorities, the children …

Adult Death Children and Guns No Charges Filed North Carolina August 8, 2021August 31, 2021 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021

Gastonia, North Carolina police are investigating the death of Markovia Durham, a 29-year old man who was shot and killed by his two-year old son. “It’s a horrible tragedy. It’s a horrible situation for everyone involved,” said the Gaston County District Attorney. The child thought the Glock pistol was a toy according to family members. …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Juvenile Arrested Louisiana Michigan Ongoing Investigation August 2, 2021August 7, 2021 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 2021

Two children were accidentally shot and killed by older siblings in their homes today. A third child, age 8, found a loaded gun in his home and shot himself. A 12-year old Baton Rouge, Louisiana child was arrested and placed in juvenile detention after admitting that he accidentally shot and killed his four-year old sister. …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Children and Guns Delaware Illinois Iowa Louisiana New York Ohio Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania July 26, 2021July 28, 2021 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021

At least eight teenagers were injured in eight separate shooting incidents in the United States today. In light of minimal reporting, the circumstances of most of the incidents remain murky. Teens were shot in Chicago and Decatur, Illinois. The other incidents occurred in Iowa, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Louisiana and Delaware. As reported, the incidents …

Arkansas Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Children and Guns Ongoing Investigation Utah July 21, 2021July 24, 2021 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021

In Little Rock, Arkansas, a three-year old found a loaded gun and shot himself in the eye. The boy is in critical condition at the hospital. There was no discussion in the article about how the boy obtained an unsecured loaded gun or about why manufacturers are allowed to design guns that a three-year old …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Juvenile Arrested Utah July 17, 2021July 19, 2021 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, JULY 17, 2021

In West Jordan, Utah, a 13-year old boy was accidentally killed by his 15-year old friend. According to police, the two had snuck out in the middle of the night with a handgun and were “messing around with it” in a church parking lot. “At some point, the 15-year-old accidentally pulled the trigger, shooting and …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ohio Ongoing Investigation Uncategorized July 13, 2021July 15, 2021 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, JULY 13, 2021

According to Maple Heights, Ohio police, 5-year old Princeton Patterson found a loaded gun in his home and shot himself in the head. They found him dead at the scene. There is an open question about whether an adult will be charged for failing to properly secure the gun. A local law professor says state …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Pennsylvania July 1, 2021July 3, 2021 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

For the second time in less than a week, a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ten-year old has died in a gun accident. In the latest incident, a 10-year old girl was found to have suffered a wound to the head in West Philadelphia. She died at the hospital. “Less than one week after meeting with family in …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Michigan Ongoing Investigation June 22, 2021June 24, 2021 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

In Detroit, Michigan, three children found a loaded gun in their home. One of them pulled the trigger and accidentally shot and killed a 12-year old boy. The victim’s twin and a 13-year old cousin were present at the time of the accident, but it is unclear who pulled the trigger. No adults were present …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Florida Juvenile Arrested June 15, 2021June 17, 2021 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021

A 14-year old Jacksonville, Florida boy was arrested and charged with negligence after a 6-year old found a gun in a bedroom of his home and accidentally killed himself. Police said the 14-year-old is accused of improperly storing the gun because he had had possession of the weapon earlier that day. The child, 6-year old …

Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Children and Guns Florida June 5, 2021June 6, 2021 by Gary Klein

THE DANGERS OF FACSIMILE WEAPONS DESIGNED TO LOOK REAL

A good deal has been written about the risks of paint ball weapons and toy guns that are designed to look real. The marketplace has far too many facsimile weapons that can be mistaken as potentially lethal. Police officers frequently report being unable to tell the difference between individuals armed with real guns from kids …

Adult Arrested California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Illinois No Charges Filed April 23, 2021April 25, 2021 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021

Two three-year old boys gained access to loaded handguns in separate accidents and shot themselves. Available reporting suggests that the parents were treated differently after the two incidents. Neither report suggests that police are asking why gun manufacturers are allowed to make guns that a three-year old can fire. In Bakersfield, California, 29-year old Shawndel …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ongoing Investigation Texas April 9, 2021April 13, 2021 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021

Police believe that a Houston, Texas three-year old found a loaded gun in his home today. He shot and killed his 8-month old brother, Royal Gordon. Four adults were home at the time. Police say it is unclear how the child got ahold of the weapon as they continue to investigate. As usual, there was …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Ohio Pennsylvania March 26, 2021March 28, 2021 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021

Two three-year olds were killed in gun accidents today. In Monroeville, Pennsylvania, a three-year old girl was shot by a five-year old sibling who had apparently found a loaded gun in their home. The child was identified as Braya Sanders. Police are investigating, but have stated that the girl’s parents are cooperating and that the …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Missouri No Charges Filed March 22, 2021August 31, 2021 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2021

In Elk Creek, Missouri, children playing outdoors got access to a rifle from inside a parked vehicle. A nine-year old was shot and killed by a younger sibling in the incident. “With the age of the child we are talking about I don’t think they can fully grasp the consequences of what has happened,” the …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Children and Guns Tennessee February 23, 2021February 25, 2021 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021

In Hardeman County, Tennessee, Jonterrious Hampton was arrested and charged with reckless homicide after a gun accident in which a 7-year old boy was killed. After the incident, Hampton took the boy to a local hospital where the boy was pronounced dead. According to Hampton, he was visiting the boy’s siblings at their home. During …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Connecticut Florida Georgia Ongoing Investigation Washington, DC December 14, 2020December 16, 2020 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2020

On the 8th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, at least four children were killed or injured in gun accidents. Three of the incidents involved guns that were found by the children themselves or by other children. The fourth involved a child who was hit by a stray bullet while walking on the …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Juvenile Arrested Maryland Mississippi New York No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation November 2, 2020November 5, 2020 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2020

At least three children were shot in separate gun accidents today. Two were wounded. One was killed. In Senatobia, Mississippi, a two-year old girl found a loaded gun and shot herself. She is being treated at a local hospital and is in stable condition. The incident is being reported as an “accidental discharge.” It is …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Nebraska Pennsylvania October 25, 2020October 29, 2020 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2020

In Seward, Nebraska, a nine-year old boy died after shooting himself accidentally while pheasant hunting. According to the local sheriff’s office, the boy, Gunnar Holte, was hunting with his father. Gunnar “had fired his shotgun at a bird, then went to reload when his dad heard another shot go off, turned around and saw his …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Texas October 24, 2020October 26, 2020 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2020

An unidentified three-year old in Porter, Texas found a gun and shot himself in the chest at his own birthday party. He later died at the local fire station. The boy’s family members were playing cards at the time of the accident. The gun had fallen out of the pocket of someone present at the …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns New Mexico Ongoing Investigation August 22, 2020August 24, 2020 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020

In San Angelo, Texas, another 2-year old was shot by a young sibling who had found a gun. It is unclear whether the injuries are life threatening. Police and the local child services agency are investigating. No arrests have been made. Source: “San Angelo Police Respond to an Accidental Shooting Incident Involving a 2-year Old …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Georgia July 14, 2020July 18, 2020 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2020

In a gun accident in Rochelle, Georgia, a four-year old girl was shot and killed. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation found that “the child was shot while she and her 3-year-old brother were playing with a gun.” The GBI found that the gun was unsecured. The girl’s father, Johnny Lee Kellom, was arrested after the …

Children and Guns July 7, 2020April 26, 2023 by Gary Klein

CHILDREN AND GUNS

Criminalizing the Negligence of Caregivers May Let Manufacturers Off the Hook It is quite clear from any rational child safety perspective that manufacturers should be discouraged or prevented from designing guns that children can easily fire. Better designs can be achieved with effective external manual safeties, magazine safety disconnects, heavier trigger pulls or trigger designs …