California

Adult Death California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Ongoing Investigation Tennessee West Virginia December 14, 2024December 18, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2024

One Adult and Three Children Killed After Unintentionally Shooting Themselves During a gathering of people in Columbia, California, 21-year-old Derek James Matthews, accidentally shot himself in the head and died the next day at the hospital. Deputies interviewed witnesses and retrieved a loaded gun as evidence. Derek attended the local elementary and high school, and lived his …

Adult Death Adult Injury California Colorado Florida Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Texas December 13, 2024December 17, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024

Mother of Toddler Killed, Four Other People Injured, in Unintentional Shootings Today Few details were reported in the accidental shooting death of a woman at a gas station in San Marcos, Texas. Her toddler was with her at the time. Police are investigating. In Jacksonville, Florida, a 39-year-old man was unintentionally shot by a police officer during a …

Adult Arrested Adult Death California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Louisiana Nevada Ongoing Investigation December 6, 2024December 12, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2024

Three People Killed in Accidental Shootings, Including a Mother Shot by Her Two-year-old Jessinya Mina, age 22, was shot and killed by her two-year-old child in Fresno, California. According to a statement by Mina’s sister, the gun belonged to her sister’s boyfriend, 18-year-old Andrew Sanchez, who ignored her sister’s request to not keep a gun in the …

California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation Safe Storage in Cars December 2, 2024December 12, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2024

Seven-year-old Finds Gun In Truck’s Glovebox, Fatally Shoots Younger Brother A two-year-old boy was fatally shot by his seven-year-old brother in a parking lot in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The boys were waiting in a truck for their mother who had gone inside the store, when the seven-year-old found a loaded gun in the glovebox. The …

Adult Arrested California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida November 22, 2024December 9, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Toddler Kills Self After Finding Unsecured Gun A two-year-old child died at the hospital, after finding an unsecured gun inside their home in Merced, California, and shooting themself in the face. The child’s father was arrested and charged with child endangerment resulting in death. And in Miami, Florida, a 15-year-old girl is in stable condition …

Adult Death California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Kentucky Ongoing Investigation November 21, 2024December 9, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024

Self-inflicted Gun Accidents Kill Three-year-old Girl and Man In a Louisville, Kentucky apartment, three-year-old Aubree Goss found a loaded gun and fatally shot herself. Her father, E’Monta Goss, admitted to police that he fell asleep after he had “loaded and placed the handgun underneath a couch inside the apartment,” and woke up when the gun fired. …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Illinois Juvenile Arrested Ongoing Investigation Texas November 20, 2024December 9, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024

Toddler and Two Other People Injured in Accidental Shootings A two-year-old child in Overton, Texas was accidentally shot in the chest and airlifted to a hospital for treatment. The child is in stable condition, and no one has been charged at this time. A 16-year-old in Carbondale, Illinois, was unintentionally shot and injured when a group of juveniles mishandled …

Adult Arrested California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation Safe Storage in Cars Texas October 25, 2024November 4, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024

Four-year-old Shot Self in Vehicle, and 15-year-old Critically Injured After Gun Accidentally Discharged A four-year-old boy shot himself while waiting in a vehicle at a business parking lot in Sacramento, California. He is expected to recover. His mother was inside a business at the time of the shooting, and has been charged on multiple counts, including …

Adult Injury California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Kentucky Louisiana Ongoing Investigation Safe Storage in Cars October 17, 2024October 22, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024

Seven-year-old Fatally Shot Visiting a Friend, and Two People Shoot Themselves in Cars on School Property Seven-year-old Elijah Thomas, was accidentally shot and killed while visiting a friend in a home in Lancaster, California. The sheriff’s department is investigating to determine details about the shooting. A gun was recovered at the scene, and so far no one …

Adult Death California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Ongoing Investigation October 12, 2024October 21, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024

Two Fatal Gun Accidents: Five-year-old Shoots 16-year-old, and Man Accidentally Shoots Himself A 16-year-old was accidentally shot and killed by a five-year-old in a residence in Tifton, Georgia. A local pastor called on community leaders to unite in the fight against youth gun violence. “…I can’t point the finger at law enforcement, the school system, …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Illinois Indiana No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania October 10, 2024October 14, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2024

One Person Dead, Three Injured, in Unintentional Shootings Today In a home in Kokomo, Indiana, 37 year-old Henry Clayton was unintentionally shot and killed by Perry A. Reyes, age 31, with a gun that Clayton had been showing him, and that Reyes mistakenly thought was unloaded. When Reyes got ahold of the gun, he pointed it at Clayton and pulled the trigger, fatally wounding Clayton. Reyes …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury California September 8, 2024September 29, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2024

Man Injured When Guard Tries to Disarm Him and Gun Accidentally Fires A security guard in Long Beach, California, intervened in an argument between two groups of people when he saw that one of them had a gun. When the guard attempted to disarm him, the handgun unintentionally discharged and one of the arguers was …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ohio Ongoing Investigation September 5, 2024September 29, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2024

Two People Injured in Gun Accidents In Akron, Ohio, an eight-year-old boy was hospitalized in stable condition after being accidentally shot by another child. Police determined that the unsecured gun the child was handling when it fired was legally owned by their father. They continue to investigate. And outside a strip mall in National City, …

California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation South Carolina August 6, 2024August 19, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2024

Two Children Accidentally Shot, Ten-year-old is Killed In Anderson, South Carolina, ten-year-old Dahillian M. Patel, who just started fifth grade last week, was accidentally shot in the head and later died at the hospital. “The sheriff’s department is still trying to determine how the gun was fired and who fired the gun. There were three …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Alabama California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Ongoing Investigation Texas July 23, 2024July 29, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

TUESDAY, JULY 23, 2024

Four People Wounded in Unintentional Shootings A child was injured after they shot themself in Center Point, Alabama. The child was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. No other information was reported. Jacob Wheatley, age 31, unintentionally shot himself during a confrontation with another man over the use of a basketball court in Austin, Texas. Caught …

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 Adult Injury California March 11, 2024March 15, 2024 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024

Felon Charged After Unintentionally Shooting Himself In an apartment in Rancho Cucamonga, California, convicted felon Devauntae Lee Scroggins, age 28, unintentionally shot himself in the hand. Deputies discovered a handgun and blood splatter at the scene. Scroggins was taken to the hospital for treatment, then later arrested on multiple charges including willful discharge of a …

Adult Injury California Illinois No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Washington February 9, 2024February 14, 2024 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Three Injured in Accidental Shootings In Cahokia Heights, Illinois, after crashing his car in a police pursuit, a man pulled out a gun while trying to flee and accidentally shot himself. State police will investigate the incident. A person was accidentally shot in the neck in an apartment in Seattle, Washington. Police found multiple people …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury California Indiana Iowa No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Tennessee February 6, 2024February 12, 2024 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2024

Woman Killed, and Three Injured in Unintentional Shootings In Memphis, Tennessee, a woman was shot in a vehicle and died. Police say a man and a child were also in the car, and that the child accidentally shot the woman. The woman was a local schoolteacher. The school issued a statement saying they are “deeply …

Adult Arrested Adult Death California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) No Charges Filed Ohio Virginia January 24, 2024January 29, 2024 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024

Boy Kills Father in Duck Hunting Accident; Two Children Shoot Themselves with Unsecured Guns Police have determined that it was an accident when a 13-year-old boy fatally shot his father during a hunting trip in Dunnigan, California. They both had hunting licenses and were hunting ducks when the boy’s gun accidentally discharged. No charges will …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury California Florida Louisiana No Charges Filed December 30, 2023January 3, 2024 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2023

Three Unintentional Shootings Leave One Dead and Two Injured In Marion County, Florida, Abraham Bordas was charged with manslaughter after accidentally firing a gun while visiting the victim’s home. The victim died at the hospital. According to the report, Bordas was “playing around” with the gun when it went off. In Sacramento, California, Rubin Ramirez …

Adult Injury California New York Ongoing Investigation December 27, 2023January 2, 2024 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2023

Self-Inflicted, Accidental Shootings Injure Two Men An investigation is under way after a police officer in Bronx, New York, accidentally shot himself in a public housing project. He was patrolling one of the buildings when his gun fired into his leg. He is expected to recover. A man tried to run from police in San …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Louisiana Ongoing Investigation December 16, 2023December 21, 2023 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2023

Young Children Find Loaded Guns and Shoot Themselves and a Man is Accidentally Injured by Gunfire at the Shopping Mall A 2-year-old and a 5-year-old were injured today when they found loaded, unsecured guns and shot themselves. The 2-year-old found their grandparents’ hidden gun and shot themself in the foot in Greenwell Springs, Louisiana. It …

Adult Death Adult Injury Arizona California Child Injury (18 and Under) Ohio Ongoing Investigation December 15, 2023December 19, 2023 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2023

Three Unintentional Shootings Leave One Woman Dead, Three Others Injured In a Glendale, Arizona shopping mall, a man received minor injuries when a gun unintentionally fired inside one of the stores. Police haven’t yet located the person who discharged the gun, and few other details have been reported. In a residence in Fresno, California, a …

Adult Injury California Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania December 1, 2023December 5, 2023 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2023

Men Wounded in Two Accidental Shootings When firefighters responded to a call at a shooting range in Newhall, California, they found a 34-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his chest. It is believed the wound was accidentally self-inflicted, and he was transported to the hospital. Few details have been reported as the sheriff’s department …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation Virginia November 16, 2023November 20, 2023 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

3-year-old and Two Deputies are Wounded in Unintentional Shootings A 3-year-old in Richmond, Virginia, was hospitalized with a gunshot wound that is not life-threatening. Few details reported, but police believe this was an accidental shooting and are currently not looking for suspects, though they will continue to investigate. At an outdoor gun range in Lemoore, …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Kentucky Louisiana No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation November 13, 2023November 17, 2023 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Middle School Placed on Lockdown, and Two Other Gun Accidents A middle school in Berea, Kentucky, went into brief lock down when a man nearby accidentally shot himself in the leg. The man said he was in his vehicle checking his firearm when it discharged unintentionally. He was taken to the hospital and is expected …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Alaska California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Florida No Charges Filed North Carolina Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Tennessee Texas September 23, 2023September 27, 2023 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023

Eight Unintentional Shootings Leave Two Dead and Six Wounded In Houston, Texas, an 18-year-old was shot and killed by a relative who was trying to take a gun away from him. According to police, the relative was upset the 18-year-old had brought a gun into the apartment, and during the struggle for it, unintentionally shot …

California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Indiana Juvenile Arrested No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation August 27, 2023August 31, 2023 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2023

Two Teens Injured in Gun Accidents In Fortuna, California, a 17-year-old boy is in stable condition at the hospital after accidentally shooting himself. Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun under the teen’s mattress with a spent casing jammed in the slide. A 14-year-old was accidentally shot when they, and a 17-year-old male, attempted to rob someone …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Kentucky Michigan Ongoing Investigation South Carolina August 19, 2023August 23, 2023 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023

Eight-year-old Child is Shot and Killed with Unsecured Gun, and Four Other People are Hurt in Separate Unintentional Shootings A group of children found a loaded, unsecured gun in a home in Detroit, Michigan. It’s unclear what exactly happened once it was found, but the gun went off killing an eight-year-old. An adult has been …

Adult Death California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Michigan New York Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania August 16, 2023August 19, 2023 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2023

Four Accidental Shootings: 14-year-old Boy and 83-year-old Woman Dead, 2 Others Injured In Fort Ann, New York, a 17-year-old didn’t know that the shotgun he had pointed in the direction of 14-year-old Rycky Stark Jr. was loaded. It unintentionally fired, hitting Rycky in the abdomen killing him. Three boys and one girl were playing with …

California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation July 17, 2023July 22, 2023 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, JULY 17, 2023

Three-year-old Finds Loaded Gun; Shoots and Kills Baby Sister In Fallbrook, California, a 1-year-old girl was unintentionally shot and killed by her 3-year-old sibling. The older sibling found an unsecured loaded handgun at home and fired it, striking the infant in the head. She was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. The …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Missouri No Charges Filed North Carolina Ohio Oklahoma Ongoing Investigation Tennessee July 4, 2023July 12, 2023 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, JULY 4, 2023

Teen Unintentionally Shoots His Brother and Once Again Many People are Injured by Celebratory Gunfire on Independence Day In Choctaw, Oklahoma, two brothers, 12- and 14-years-old, were waiting in a minivan in a Walmart parking lot when the older brother accidentally shot his sibling once in the chest. The 12-year-old was responsive and taken to …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Arizona California Child Injury (18 and Under) Juvenile Arrested Ongoing Investigation Tennessee Wisconsin July 2, 2023July 7, 2023 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, JULY 2, 2023

Stray Bullets Claim the Life of a Woman and Injure Two Others; and a Man Unintentionally Shoots His Friend in the Face Christian Galindo, 31, was struck and killed by a stray bullet inside her home in Yuma, Arizona. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Jose Flores and Mia Dominguez, both 18, were charged …

Adult Injury California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Kansas Ohio Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Tennessee Texas June 26, 2023June 30, 2023 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2023

Accidental Shootings Leave One Dead, Five Wounded In Columbia, South Carolina, a 7-year-old girl died from what is reported as an accidental shooting. She died at the hospital from a gunshot wound to her upper body. The incident is under investigation. One child accidentally shot another in Austin, Texas. The victim was transported to a …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation Texas June 6, 2023June 11, 2023 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2023

Gas Station Employee Caught in Crossfire; Probation Officer Involved in Accidental Discharge that Injures 4-year-old An argument in a gas station parking lot in Fort Worth, Texas, escalated into a shooting. At least one round went through the window of the store, striking an employee. The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Missouri Ongoing Investigation South Carolina May 26, 2023May 30, 2023 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2023

Teens Playing with Guns Injure Three; Two Others Hurt in Separate Accidental Shootings A group of teenagers were “carelessly” handling a gun in LaGrange, Georgia, when one of them, a 15-year-old, was accidentally shot in the face. He was airlifted to the hospital in serious condition. No other information is available at this time. Another …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Ongoing Investigation May 21, 2023May 25, 2023 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023

Church Member Wounded after Sunday Service and Teen Hurt Mishandling a Gun After Sunday services in South Holland, Illinois, an innocent bystander was struck by gunfire that erupted in the church’s parking lot. The victim, a long-time church member, was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. According to the pastor of the church, multiple …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Kentucky Michigan New York Ohio May 20, 2023May 24, 2023 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023

Seven People Wounded in Unintentional Shootings With a stolen handgun that he thought made him “look cool,” a 14-year-old in Struthers, Ohio, unintentionally shot a 16-year-old in the stomach. The victim was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition. The 14-year-old was showing the gun to the victim, pretending to shoot it, when …

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 …

Adult Injury California Child Death (18 and Under) Georgia Juvenile Arrested Nevada Texas May 8, 2023May 11, 2023 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023

Two-year-old is Killed in Drive-By Shooting; 3 Others are Injured in Separate Gun Accidents Two-year-old Mackenzie Hernandez Garcia was standing outside the front door of a home when she was unintentionally shot and killed in a drive-by shooting in San Antonio, Texas. She was one of 6 children in the home and not believed to …

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 California Child Injury (18 and Under) North Carolina Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania April 24, 2023April 28, 2023 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, APRIL 24, 2023

Father Shoots Son in Gun Handling Accident; Three Other Children Injured are Innocent Bystanders In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, while handling a gun in the living room, 29-year-old Nicholas Pagan unintentionally shot his five-year-old son in the pelvis. The boy is in the hospital in stable condition. The gun used has not been recovered and Pagan, who …

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 California Child Death (18 and Under) March 20, 2023March 25, 2023 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2023

Boy Accidentally Shot by Friend Who Didn’t Know Gun Was Loaded In Menifee, California, a 17-year-old boy was shot by his friend, Jesse Duncan, 19, during horseplay with a gun. “A preliminary investigation revealed [that four boys] were horseplaying with the firearm,” a police Captain said. “While horseplaying, and believing the firearm was not loaded, …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Missouri No Charges Filed North Dakota Oklahoma Ongoing Investigation February 25, 2023February 28, 2023 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2023

Three Children and an Adult Hurt in Gun Accidents In Fresno, California, a man beat up his friend after the friend accidentally shot the man’s three-year-old child in the leg. The man was both arrested and taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries suffered in the beating. A Tulsa, Oklahoma 17-year old was …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury California February 8, 2023February 12, 2023 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Man Shoots Himself With Stolen Gun Abraham Macias was arrested in Big Bear Lake, California after accidentally shooting himself with a stolen gun at a local hotel. The gun had been taken in a residential burglary in a different California community. Police performed life saving measures until Macias could be transported to a local hospital. …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Illinois Louisiana Mississippi New Jersey North Carolina Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania January 26, 2023January 31, 2023 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023

This page is intentionally left blank to remember the dead and injured in the mass shooting in Monterey Bay, California on January 21 and in nine other mass shootings since then. Monterey Bay, California Shreveport, Louisiana Baton Rouge, Louisiana Tunica Resorts, Mississippi Half Moon Bay, California Chicago, Illinois Oakland, California Red Springs, North Carolina Lancaster, …

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 January 1, 2023January 8, 2023 by Gary Klein

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 …

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 December 29, 2022January 2, 2023 by Gary Klein

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 Death California No Charges Filed October 27, 2022October 31, 2022 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2022

Lorenzo Morgan, a Colton, California police officer, accidentally shot and killed himself in a vehicle while off duty, the sheriff’s department announced. The specific circumstances of the incident have not been reported. “No foul play is suspected in the shooting and it is believed this was a tragic accident,” the Sheriff’s Department statement said. Morgan …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Louisiana Ongoing Investigation South Carolina October 2, 2022October 6, 2022 by Gary Klein

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 Death Adult Injury California No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Wisconsin September 23, 2022September 28, 2022 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2022

In South Lake Tahoe, California, 37-year old Julio Rojas Cruz died of a bullet wound to the head. According to police, Rojas’s death resulted from negligent firing of a 9 mm handgun. No further information is available. In Wisconsin, two men accidentally shot themselves, one in Fond du Lac, the other in Milwaukee. Both are …

California Child Injury (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation August 30, 2022September 3, 2022 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 2022

A nine-year old boy was shot in the hip in an Oakland, California freeway shooting. He was driving with a woman in a vehicle that was being chased on I-580 and shot at. Seeking to evade the shooting, the car exited the freeway but then crashed into a truck. Witnesses say that the crashed vehicle …

Adult Arrested Adult Death California August 21, 2022August 24, 2022 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21, 2022

22-year old Christopher Jordan of Fresno, California was arrested after he accidentally shot and killed his girlfriend, Deisha Guzman, age 20, at a local Hampton Inn hotel. Jordan initially claimed that he placed his gun on the bed and that Guzman had shot herself. After questioning, Jordan admitted that he accidentally fired the gun, striking …

Adult Death California Child Injury (18 and Under) Florida Ongoing Investigation August 20, 2022August 23, 2022 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2022

In Sumter County, Florida, a father mistakenly shot and killed his 19-year old son, Jaiden McGeorge, whom he mistook for a burglar, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The report about the incident indicates that burglars had been to the house earlier in the evening. A 14-year old Los Angeles, California boy is in stable condition after …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Colorado Illinois No Charges Filed July 4, 2022July 8, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, JULY 4, 2022

At least nine people appear to have been struck by random rounds that were fired in celebration of the Fourth of July. The consequences of celebratory gunfire continue to be felt most keenly by people other than those whose idea of a celebration is to use their guns in an unsafe way. In Chicago, Illinois, …

Adult Injury California Ongoing Investigation May 11, 2022May 16, 2022 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2022

In Palo Alto, California, two young men were shot and injured in a ghost gun accident. One was struck in the hand and the other in the leg in a local shopping center parking lot when a gun went off while they were smoking marijuana in a truck. A bloodied and loaded handgun with no …

Adult Arrested Arkansas California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Idaho Ongoing Investigation Texas May 2, 2022May 7, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, MAY 2, 2022

Five more children were killed or injured in gun accidents today. In Katy, Texas, a four-year old boy died after being shot in the head by his nine-year old brother today with his uncle’s Glock. The uncle, Franciso Lupian, had brought the gun into the home and showed the boys how to use it. He …

Adult Death California Ongoing Investigation April 25, 2022April 28, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2022

Yovany Rodriguez, a 39-year old Los Angeles, California man, was shot while driving. He died at the scene after crashing into another vehicle. Police are investigating, but have not identified the shooter. Source: “Fatal Head-on Crash Turns Into Shooting Investigation in South LA,” Fox 11 LA (April 27, 2022).

Adult Death California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Massachusetts Tennessee Texas Virginia April 6, 2022April 24, 2022 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022

Gun accidents occurred all over the country today. In Henrico, Virginia, a 7-year old found his father’s loaded gun and shot himself. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. The boy’s father, Landin Lewis, Sr., was arrested and charged with allowing his son to access the gun. In Somerville, Massachusetts, a police officer shot himself while …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury California March 7, 2022April 24, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2022

Cordero Currington of Stockton, California shot himself in the leg after shooting and killing another man. Currington was attempting to get away from the scene of the crime when the incident occurred. He was booked by police on “several weapons charges.” Source: “Man Shoots Self in Leg While Running Away after Shooting, Killing Another Man, …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury California February 21, 2022April 24, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2022

A man who was playing with a gun while walking near the freeway in San Clemente, California accidentally shot himself in the chest. He was found by police lying on the highway. He initially told police that he had been attacked by two men in a car, but later admitted that he had shot himself …

Adult Arrested Adult Death California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) Texas December 23, 2021December 26, 2021 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

In North Hollywood, California, Valentina Orellana-Peralta, a 14-year old girl who was shopping for a quinceañera dress, was accidentally shot and killed in a department store dressing room when a bullet passed through a wall during a police action at the store. She died at the scene. Los Angeles police were shooting at an assault …

Adult Arrested Adult Death California December 8, 2021December 10, 2021 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

On Lazy Acres Circle in Dallas, Texas, Wendy Godoy, age 26, was accidentally struck and killed when a neighbor fired a gun in a nearby apartment. The gunshot passed through at least one apartment wall before striking her. Ms. Godoy was found lying face down just outside of her apartment. Police have issued a probable …

California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation December 6, 2021December 10, 2021 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2021

Alexander Alvarado, a 12-year old boy, and a 12-year old girl were shot today when men opened fire on a parked car near a Los Angeles, California elementary school. Alvarado later died at the hospital. The 12-year old girl, who was participating in the afterschool program, was wounded. “She was in the schoolyard just playing. …

California Child Death (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation November 6, 2021November 8, 2021 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2021

Jasper Wu, of Fremont, California, was just shy of his second birthday when he was struck and killed by a stray bullet while traveling with his family on Interstate 880 in Oakland. The round was part of an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles traveling in the other direction. No one besides Jasper was struck …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Maryland Mississippi No Charges Filed Ohio Pennsylvania Utah October 10, 2021October 12, 2021 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2021

At least 7 people unintentionally shot themselves or others with guns today in incidents across the country. In Ellisville Mississippi, a man accidentally shot himself in the hand. The Sheriff’s Department said that the incident occurred in a community residence. A Temple Hills, Maryland 16-year old is hospitalized after shooting himself accidentally at the local …

Adult Arrested California Child Injury (18 and Under) October 3, 2021October 5, 2021 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021

Once again, a baby girl was injured today in a gun accident. The baby’s mother, Victoria Tejeda, age 20, of Ramona, California and her boyfriend, Roman Estrada, age 18, were both arrested after the incident, in which Estrada accidentally fired a gun and shot the baby in the leg. Both Tejeda and Estrada were charged …

Adult Death California Law Enforcement Action (At Time of Report) August 21, 2021August 23, 2021 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21, 2021

In Guadalupe, California, police are investigating an officer involved shooting that caused an unintended death. According to the report, an officer fired his gun while attempting to make a street arrest in connection with a felony warrant. The round did not strike the suspect, but rather struck and killed a bystander, Juan Luis Olvera-Preciado, age …

California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Missouri No Charges Filed July 8, 2021July 10, 2021 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, JULY 8, 2021

Two children were killed in gun accidents today, a baby boy and a 16 year old. In Jackson, Mississippi, one-year old Jordan Bradfield was struck in the head by a bullet fired by a 14-year old who was handling a gun. Jordan died at the hospital. No charges have been filed. The 16-year old was …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) New York No Charges Filed Ohio Ongoing Investigation June 27, 2021June 29, 2021 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2021

In Manhattan, New York, a newly commissioned off-duty New Jersey trooper accidentally fired a round on a Penn Station train platform while adjusting his holster. He shot himself once in the leg and was treated at the hospital. No word about whether the gun had a manual safety and whether it was deployed. There …

California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania June 26, 2021June 28, 2021 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2021

A three-year old and a ten-year old died in gun accidents on opposite sides of the country today when they found loaded guns in their homes. In Fresno, California, 3-year old Bryson Vang found his father’s loaded gun and shot and killed himself. His parents and siblings were home at the time. The gun was …

California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested May 25, 2021May 27, 2021 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021

After an Oxnard, California 9-year old found a gun in his home and accidentally shot himself, a 17-year old was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and unsafe storage of a firearm. Officers said the child thought the gun, which was easily accessible, was a toy. The boy is in stable condition at the hospital. …

Adult Arrested California Child Injury (18 and Under) May 23, 2021May 25, 2021 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2021

Erik Keith Wood of Fortuna, California, age 42, was arrested and charged with attempted murder today after shooting a teenager who apparently was playing Ding Dong Ditch at Wood’s home. The game involves ringing someone’s doorbell and then running away. The teenager was treated at a hospital for a shotgun wound and released. Source: “Fortuna …

California Child Death (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation May 2, 2021May 4, 2021 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021

In Keyes, California, Evan Robinson, age 16, was killed as an unintended victim of a shootout near a local taco truck. Friends say Evan was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. “I miss you so much,” his younger sister said when asked if she had something to tell Evan. Police are investigating. …

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 …

Adult Death Arizona California Child Injury (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation April 5, 2021April 7, 2021 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, APRIL 5, 2021

In Fort Mojave, Arizona, a man was accidentally shot and killed when a firearm discharged as it was being “transferred” to him. No other details of the incident are available. Near Fresno, California, ten sheriff’s deputies and a police helicopter participated in the investigation of a report that a 17-year old made after being shot …

Adult Injury California No Charges Filed March 5, 2021March 7, 2021 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

At a Ceres, California gun range, a firearms instructor was holstering a gun during a training session when it fired. The 69-year old was struck in the thigh and taken to the hospital where he is in stable condition. Perhaps if the gun had an external manual safety that the instructor demonstrated for the class, …

Adult Injury California Ongoing Investigation December 24, 2020December 26, 2020 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

On Venice Boulevard in Los Angeles, California, a homeless fired a gun into the air at about 10:00 PM on Christmas Eve and accidentally injured another homeless man. The victim is in stable condition at a local hospital. Police are investigating. Source: “Homeless Man Firing Gun Into Air Wounds Man,” LA.com (December 25, 2020).

Adult Arrested Adult Death Alcohol and Guns California Child Death (18 and Under) Kentucky December 13, 2020December 15, 2020 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2020

Two young people were accidentally shot and killed by friends today while playing with guns. 18-year old Armani Hall of Louisville, Kentucky was shot and killed by her 21-year old friend Adrianna King. King admitted that she had been playing with the gun. She was arrested and charged with one count of reckless homicide. In …

California Child Injury (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation December 7, 2020December 9, 2020 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

An 8-year old Oakland, California boy was hit in the leg by a stray bullet while watching television on a sofa at a relative’s home. He is in stable condition after undergoing surgery. The bullet that struck the boy was fired in a dispute outside the apartment complex. It passed apartment through the door before …

Adult Arrested California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Ohio Ongoing Investigation December 4, 2020December 12, 2020 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2020

At least three children were victims of gun accidents today; two were killed and one was wounded. The accidents occurred in Georgia, California and Ohio. Five-year old Jada Willingham was killed in Lithonia, Georgia after being shot by another child who found a gun in her home. Police arrested 35-year old Chad Brooks, Sr. whose …

Adult Arrested California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Indiana Ongoing Investigation October 22, 2020November 14, 2020 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2020

Two children were accidentally shot and killed today. In Merced, California today, a 5-year old girl was shot and killed by another child who found a loaded and unsecured gun in the home. Her father drove her to the hospital where she died. The girl’s father, Rodney Mathews, left her at the hospital and led …

Adult Arrested Adult Death California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation Oregon October 9, 2020October 11, 2020 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

James Kenneth Lindquester, a Beaverton, Oregon three-year old, found a gun in his home and shot himself in the head. According to authorities, the loaded gun was in a bedside table. James was pronounced dead at the hospital. In Hemet California, a 75-year old woman was accidentally shot and killed by her caregiver as he …

Adult Injury California Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation September 27, 2020November 12, 2020 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

A two-year old in Bakersfield, California accidentally shot a relative with a loaded gun he found inside his apartment. The unidentified woman is in critical condition at the hospital. “At this point, we are going through all the various interviews and still doing some follow-up investigations as far as where the gun was located, how …

California Child Injury (18 and Under) Illinois Ongoing Investigation September 4, 2020September 6, 2020 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

A 5-year old and a 4-year old were victims of shootings today as innocent bystanders. The 5-year old was attending a birthday party in Fresno, California when she was struck by a stray bullet fired by one of several people arguing in the neighborhood. According to the report, police do not believe that the 5-year …

Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Kansas Ongoing Investigation August 26, 2020August 28, 2020 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2020

Two people were injured today when guns were accidentally discharged. In each incident the victim was not in the room where the gun was fired. At John Wayne airport in Orange County, California, a sheriff’s deputy accidentally fired his service weapon at 7 AM this morning. The round penetrated a wall and hit an airport …

Adult Injury California Ongoing Investigation Uncategorized August 5, 2020August 7, 2020 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2020

For the second time this week, a Los Angeles County police officer accidentally shot and injured another officer while responding to a problem involving the mental health of a resident. In this incident, the call involved a suicidal man armed with a pair of scissors. The responding officers apparently drew guns to fend off a …

Adult Arrested California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Michigan Ongoing Investigation August 4, 2020August 6, 2020 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2020

Two children found guns in their homes and accidentally shot and killed themselves today. In Saginaw, Michigan, a five-year old boy found a gun. According to police, he died of “self-inflicted gunshot wounds.” They have called the incident a “tragic accident.” While they investigate to determine how the boy got ahold of the gun, “their …