South Carolina

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Mississippi Ohio Ongoing Investigation South Carolina December 15, 2024December 19, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2024

Three Children Killed in Accidental Shootings, Including Toddler Who Found Gun in Drawer In Hopkins, South Carolina, 15-year-old Jayen Gladden was shot and killed by his 14-year-old friend who was cleaning a handgun that accidentally discharged. The 14-year-old has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and possession of a weapon by a minor. “It’s sad as a coroner …

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina December 12, 2024December 17, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2024

Accidental Shootings Injure Two People in South Carolina Four juveniles had gathered at a trail in Blythewood, South Carolina to shoot guns, when one of them was accidentally shot in the chest. A witness said two of the juveniles brought guns, and they were all taking turns shooting. The victim was fighting over a gun …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina November 18, 2024November 22, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024

County in South Carolina Reports Two Shootings Involving Children; Ten-year-old Girl Killed Aiken County, South Carolina, saw two accidental shootings today that involved children. In Windsor, ten-year-old Miyah Harp died after being shot in the chest by a family member handling a small-caliber rifle that accidentally fired. An autopsy will be performed, as the sheriff’s …

Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania South Carolina November 2, 2024November 8, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2024

Two People Killed in Hunting Accidents An 11-year-old boy was killed while hunting chipmunks with two other juveniles in Hartstown, Pennsylvania. The three children were members of a nearby Amish community. The boy was accidentally struck in the head by a round fired from a .22-caliber rifle. He was flown to the hospital where he …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested New Mexico Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Texas October 29, 2024November 7, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2024

Woman Killed and Husband Injured on Walking Trail, Toddler Fatally Shoots Self, and Teen Critically Injures Eight-year-old Sister with Gun He Thought was Unloaded On a walking trail in Summervile, South Carolina, Lori Wind, 54, was shot and killed by Kristofer Kelle McDonald, 20, who discharged several rounds from a 20-gauge shotgun thinking he was shooting at …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) South Carolina Texas September 20, 2024September 29, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

Child Killed, and School Resource Officer Injured, in Gun Accidents Today Two children were playing with an unsecured gun in the master bedroom of a home in Rock Hill, South Carolina, when one of them was fatally shot. It was determined that 39-year-old Kunle Lawal Laguda Jr. left the gun unattended in a place where the children …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania South Carolina September 18, 2024September 22, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

Two-year-old and Teen are Killed in Accidental Shootings Two-year-old Rylin Burrell was shot and killed by a seven-year-old inside a family home in Great Falls, South Carolina. Rylin died at the hospital. “When we got inside the hospital, they took us to this little room and I instantly knew my baby was dead,” said his …

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Virginia August 19, 2024September 16, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

MONDAY, AUGUST 19, 2024

Two-year-old Shoots Mother’s Boyfriend, and Teen Accidentally Shoots Younger Cousin A two-year-old in a home in Petersburg, Virginia, shot their mother’s boyfriend with a handgun the man had placed on a chair near the child. The man was airlifted to the hospital in critical condition from a single gunshot wound. Also, in Port Royal, South …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Arkansas Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Oklahoma Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Virginia August 17, 2024August 25, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024

Two People Dead, Three Wounded, in Unintentional Shootings Today In Russellville, Arkansas, Jack Poole, a 19-year-old university student majoring in nursing, was found dead from a gunshot wound in an off-campus apartment. Police believe it was an accidental shooting, but it’s unclear who fired the shot. Poole played for his high school basketball team and was student council …

Adult Arrested Adult Death South Carolina August 8, 2024August 20, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 2024

Innocent Bystander Killed in Car In Chesterfield County, South Carolina, a passenger inside a car, Martin Karl Rieff Jr., was killed after Damion Crowley fired his gun at the car. Crowley was in dispute with two other people who were his intended targets and has been charged with murder. Source: “Innocent Passenger Killed After Man …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Texas August 7, 2024August 19, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2024

Two Children Accidentally Shot and Killed by Relatives A six-year-old girl from Eutawville, South Carolina, died after she was unintentionally shot in the head by her seven-year-old brother. It is not known how the brother found the gun, and whether the parents were at home or will face charges. Officials are investigating. “We are broken-hearted …

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 Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Michigan Missouri Ohio Ongoing Investigation South Carolina July 15, 2024July 24, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

MONDAY, JULY 15, 2024

Two-year-old Boy Killed, Three Other Children Injured in Gun Accidents Zane Sebastian Burgess, a two-year-old boy from Simpsonville, South Carolina, suffered a single gunshot wound to the head and died. Deputies believe that Zane found a gun inside the home and shot himself. His 32-year-old mother, was charged with unlawful conduct toward a child; and his mother’s stepfather, age …

Adult Injury Ongoing Investigation South Carolina July 11, 2024July 14, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2024

Man Walking Along Road Hit by Stray Bullet In Hopkins, South Carolina, the drivers of two moving vehicles were shooting at each other when a stray bullet from the gunfight struck a man walking along the road. No other information was reported, as deputies continue to investigate. Source: Christopher Buchanan, “Man Struck by Stray Bullet During …

Adult Death Adult Injury Arizona Kentucky No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation South Carolina June 29, 2024July 2, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

SATURDAY, JUNE 29, 2024

Three Men are Killed, and One is Injured, in Unintentional Shootings In a Carrollton, Kentucky gun store, a customer was examining a firearm when it unintentionally discharged, fatally striking 50-year-old Chad Wainscott with a single round. State police continue to investigate, but don’t anticipate any charges being filed. A man in Maricopa, Arizona was killed by what …

Child Injury (18 and Under) No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania South Carolina May 9, 2024May 14, 2024 by Jo Ellen Ackerman

THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2024

Two Children Injured as Innocent Bystanders Children were injured today in South Carolina and Pennsylvania as victims of intended shootings. In Lee County, South Carolina, a 9-month-old baby was wounded when more than 50 shots were fired into the mobile home where he lived with his family. The baby was airlifted to the hospital in …

Child Death (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina April 17, 2024April 22, 2024 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024

11-year-old Boy Accidentally Shot and Killed by Uncle In Scranton, South Carolina, 11-year-old Brentlee Eugene Crump was unintentionally shot and killed by his uncle, William Glen Richburg. Brentlee lived with the uncle who, according to the police report, shot at a tree next to his house, and then held the shotgun near his side when …

Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Florida No injuries South Carolina April 3, 2024April 7, 2024 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 2024

Police Officer’s 4-year-old Son Shoots Himself with Father’s Duty Weapon The Columbia, South Carolina police department placed officer James Peter Tidot on investigatory suspension after an incident in which Tidot’s 4-year-old son shot himself in the head at a family member’s home in North Miami Beach, Florida. The investigation involves an “improperly secured and loaded …

Adult Death Adult Injury Arkansas Georgia Ongoing Investigation South Carolina March 27, 2024March 31, 2024 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2024

One Dead, Two Wounded in Gun Accidents In Athens, Georgia, 32-year-old Casey Roy Hobbs was found dead in a pickup truck from what police say appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. There was a 9mm pistol on the floorboard of the truck, and police speculate that the gun was in Hobbs’s waistband when it …

Child Death (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina March 3, 2024March 7, 2024 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, MARCH 3, 2024

Six-year-old Dies in Accidental Shooting In Beaufort, South Carolina, 6-year-old Frankie Martin Washington was taken to the hospital in critical condition with a gunshot wound to his head. He later died from his injuries. Officials believe this was an accidental shooting as they continue to investigate. The principal of Frankie’s elementary school released a statement. …

Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ohio Ongoing Investigation South Carolina February 28, 2024March 3, 2024 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2024

Two People Die in Accidental Shootings Few details have been reported about the accidental shooting death of a 15-year-old in Gray Court, South Carolina. The teen was at home with friends, and according to early findings, may have unintentionally shot themself. And in an apartment in Columbus, Ohio, police found a person dead of a …

Adult Injury Ongoing Investigation South Carolina February 16, 2024February 20, 2024 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Two People Injured in Accidental Shooting In an apartment complex in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, two people were injured after being accidentally shot. They were taken to the hospital and are expected to recover. Police determined it was an accident, but few other details have been reported. Source: Ashley Listrom, “Police: 2 Hurt After Accidental …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina January 21, 2024January 25, 2024 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2024

Eighth Grader Killed by Best Friend in Hunting Accident Cameron Connor, 13, was accidentally shot and killed by his best friend while they were hunting on a property in Santee, South Carolina. Both boys were in the eighth grade at a local private school. They played together on the school’s football and baseball teams. According …

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Ongoing Investigation South Carolina January 6, 2024January 18, 2024 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6, 2024

Two Georgia Children and a Coyote Hunter Injured in Accidental Shootings A 7-year-old boy in Macon, Georgia, thought a .22-caliber handgun was an air-soft gun and accidentally shot his 12-year-old sister. The sister is recovering in the hospital. The incident is under investigation and it is unclear if anyone will be charged. Few details have …

Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) North Carolina South Carolina January 3, 2024January 7, 2024 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2024

Two Boys Injured in Accidental Shootings In Rocky Mount, North Carolina, three juveniles were in a home playing with a loaded, unsecured gun they found, when it unintentionally went off injuring a 10-year-old boy. Police seized the gun and determined that was stolen; later charging the boy’s uncle with possession of a stolen firearm and …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Florida No Charges Filed Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee December 25, 2023December 31, 2023 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2023

Christmas Day Gun Accidents In Nashville, Tennessee, 81-year-old Johnnie Thompson was showing a friend how his Derringer pistol worked. He was fatally struck when he dropped the gun on the floor causing it to unintentionally discharge. Police don’t anticipate any charges being filed. Diego Diaz-Martinez, 31, was a guest at a Christmas family gathering in …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Missouri North Carolina Ongoing Investigation South Carolina November 25, 2023November 30, 2023 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2023

Three People Dead in Unintentional Shootings Today Derrick White Jr., 16, was accidentally shot and killed inside his home in Kansas City, Missouri. His mother said he was in a back room with a friend when she heard the gunshot. Police are still investigating but they believe the shooting was an accident. Derrick’s father who …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) No Charges Filed Oklahoma South Carolina Utah November 24, 2023November 28, 2023 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

6-year-old and Two Men Killed In Unintentional Shootings Avery Davis, a 6-year-old, was killed in a hunting accident in Cameron, South Carolina. Avery was in an elevated stand at the time, when it appears he was struck by a stray shotgun pellet fired by someone on the ground. Investigators are waiting for the coroner’s report, …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) No Charges Filed Rhode Island South Carolina October 31, 2023November 4, 2023 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2023

Teacher Killed and 4-year-old Wounded in Gun Accidents A teacher and pastor’s son, Michael Alexander McMinn, 22, was shot and killed in Abbeville, South Carolina. A relative was showing off a new gun that unintentionally discharged hitting McMinn. He was airlifted to the hospital where he died. A captain with the sheriff’s office said no …

Adult Injury Alabama Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Tennessee Virginia October 11, 2023October 16, 2023 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2023

Two Accidental Shootings By Family Members, and Two Self-inflicted A 13-year-old was unintentionally shot with a shotgun by their 11-year-old sibling in Ashford, Alabama. The 13-year-old’s injuries don’t appear to be life threatening and they were taken to the hospital for treatment. No other information was reported. Two family member were hunting on private property, …

Arizona Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina September 27, 2023October 2, 2023 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2023

A Toddler is Dead and Another Child is Wounded After Finding Loaded Guns A two-year-old girl found a gun on a dresser and accidentally shot and killed herself in Lugoff, South Carolina. The sheriff said the incident is under investigation to find out exactly what happened, but nobody has been charged. “You know, unfortunately, sometimes …

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 …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested South Carolina September 10, 2023September 14, 2023 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2023

Thirteen-year-old Accidentally Shot and Killed Thirteen-year-old Akeem Pugh, a middle school student in Sumter, South Carolina, was unintentionally shot and killed today. The incident is still under investigation, but apparently Akeem and two friends were handling a gun when it went off, fatally striking the teen. Police charged the friends — a 12-year-old with involuntary …

Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ohio South Carolina August 26, 2023August 30, 2023 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2023

Four-year-old Boy and Three-year-old Twins Injured After Finding Unsecured Guns A four-year-old boy in Akron, Ohio is in serious condition after shooting himself with an unsecured gun. The incident remains under investigation as police try to determine what happened and how the boy gained access to the gun. Three-year-old twins in Florence, South Carolina, were …

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 Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) South Carolina August 18, 2023August 22, 2023 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 2023

Two Teens Hurt When Shots Are Fired into South Carolina Home A 16-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy were shot and injured in Summerville, South Carolina when a drive-by shooter fired multiple rounds into their home. The alleged shooter, age 27, is in custody and charged with attempted murder. While minimal details are reported it …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Juvenile Arrested Louisiana Maryland Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Uncategorized August 6, 2023August 10, 2023 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 2023

Boy Unintentionally Shot with a Ghost Gun and Three Other Children Wounded by Stray Bullets In Gurnee, Illinois, a 15-year-old boy is in the hospital in critical condition after being accidentally shot in the abdomen. He was in the basement with two 16-year-old friends, when one produced and discharged a semi-automatic ghost gun, unintentionally striking …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ohio Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Virginia Wisconsin July 21, 2023July 24, 2023 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, JULY 21, 2023

Five Injured in Unintentional Shootings Including Three Children A 4-year-old child in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, was injured in what is reported as an accidental shooting. The child was taken to the hospital but the extent of their injuries is not known. The sheriff’s office is investigating. ShaiAnn Coley, 3, was staying with a relative …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Tennessee Texas June 29, 2023July 3, 2023 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 2023

Two Children are Dead and Two are Wounded in Accidental Shootings In Summerville, South Carolina, a 3-year-old died after accidentally shooting himself while handling a loaded gun. He was taken to the hospital when his mother found him unresponsive in a bedroom. The police report said that there were “multiple firearms accessories strewn across the …

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) 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 Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Indiana South Carolina Texas May 6, 2023May 9, 2023 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023

Two Children and Two Hunters Injured in Gun Accidents A 2-year-old in San Antonio, Texas was playing with a 9-millimeter handgun when it fired, shooting them in the face. The child was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and police are continuing to investigate. Walking with her boyfriend near a middle school in Ladson, …

Adult Injury Maryland No Charges Filed South Carolina February 14, 2023February 20, 2023 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023

Two Gun Accidents in Retail Businesses Gun accidents occurred today at business locations in Jacksonboro, South Carolina and in Bowie, Maryland. In South Carolina, a woman suffered life threatening injuries in a gun accident at a Dollar General store. The Maryland incident occurred when a man shot himself in the leg at a McDonalds. Few …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) North Carolina Ongoing Investigation South Carolina February 12, 2023February 17, 2023 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2023

Two Teenagers Killed in Gun Accidents When a 14-year-old and his 13-year-old cousin visited the home of their assistant basketball coach, they apparently found a loaded and unsecured gun. Zakius Joshua Davis, the 14-year-old, of Gaffney, South Carolina, accidentally shot and killed himself. The coach, who is a teacher in the local school district, may …

Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Louisiana Massachusetts Missouri No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation South Carolina January 28, 2023February 2, 2023 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2023

Six Reported Unintended Shootings Today, Including the Death of an Innocent Bystander Hundreds of people fled a mall in Holyoke, Massachusetts after a fatal shooting inside a nail salon. Kenneth Santana-Rodriguez, who claimed to be firing in self-defense after being confronted by a former boyfriend of his girlfriend, fired two rounds, one of which struck …

Adult Death Arizona Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation South Carolina January 18, 2023January 22, 2023 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023

Man Accidentally Shot and Killed While Moving a Shotgun To Make Room Inside His Vehicle In Bullhead City, Arizona, a 56-year old man who was moving his shotgun in order to make room for a passenger in his vehicle, accidentally fired the gun into his abdomen and killed himself. Another person was also shot and …

Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) No Charges Filed South Carolina Texas January 14, 2023January 18, 2023 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023 –Gun Cleaning Accident

The Harris County, Texas sheriff announced that a Humble, Texas man was cleaning his shotgun when it discharged inside his apartment. Another man was struck and killed. It is unclear whether charges will be filed. In Andrews, South Carolina, a man fired a pistol when he heard someone entering his home through a window. A …

Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Louisiana New York No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation South Carolina December 26, 2022December 30, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2022

40-year-old Mathew Roach of Elgin, South Carolina was killed in a hunting accident today. The circumstances of the accident have not been released. His obituary says, “Matt loved his family with all his heart. He enjoyed spending time at the ocean, saltwater fishing, golf, Gamecock football, coaching baseball, grilling, ‘playing’ guitar, dancing in the living …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) No Charges Filed South Carolina December 19, 2022December 22, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2022

In Columbia, South Carolina, two children found a loaded gun in their home and took it outside to play with it in the family car. The gun fired and nine-year old Christopher Scott III, a fourth grader, was killed. The Sheriff’s Department says the death “was an accident due to two children playing with a …

Adult Death No Charges Filed South Carolina December 14, 2022December 18, 2022 by Gary Klein

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2022

Ahmad Gardner of North Charleston, South Carolina, accidentally shot and killed himself while driving. He was making a U-Turn at the time of the incident. His car traveled through a parking lot and struck an unoccupied vehicle, but no one else was hurt. Source: Jasmine Pack, “Coroner Identifies Man That Accidently Shot Himself and Crashed …

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 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 Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation South Carolina Texas Virginia September 12, 2022September 17, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2022

Three children were involved in gun accidents today. The Rhoadsville, Virginia victim was a 7-month old whose injuries are not considered life-threatening. A Columbia, South Carolina teenager who was shooting into a home, inadvertently shot himself in the hand. No other injuries were reported and the boy was arrested without incident. And in San Antonio, …

Child Injury (18 and Under) No Charges Filed South Carolina August 5, 2022August 9, 2022 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022

In Georgetown, South Carolina, an 18-year old boy attempting to defend himself in the dark against a neighbor’s dog pulled a gun and fired at least four shots at the dog. One of the shots struck his 15-year old friend, who had fallen down, in the leg. The boy was treated at the hospital. The dog was …

Adult Arrested Alabama Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Juvenile Arrested Missouri No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania South Carolina July 21, 2022July 24, 2022 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2022

In North Charleston, South Carolina today, Micah Simmons, a 13-year old, was fatally shot when another child tried to grab a loaded gun from him. Micah died at the hospital. Police say that no charges are likely to be filed and there is no reporting on why Micah had the gun in the first instance. …

Child Death (18 and Under) Juvenile Arrested South Carolina June 14, 2022June 20, 2022 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2022

Torqavious Johnson, age 18, of Greer, South Carolina, was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter when he picked up a handgun that had fallen on the floor and attempted to return it to 17-year old Dalorian Tyler. According to witnesses, the gun was pointed at Tyler and discharged as Johnson handed it to him. Tyler …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested South Carolina June 5, 2022June 7, 2022 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2022

In Mount Croghan, South Carolina, a 15-year old accidentally shot and killed her 15-year old boyfriend while the two children were playing with a gun. The girl has been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. “Looked like they were playing with a gun, handgun, and the gun went off, the safety somehow went off …

Child Injury (18 and Under) No Charges Filed Pennsylvania South Carolina May 23, 2022May 27, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022

Two 12-year olds were injured in gun accidents today. In Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, a 12-year old boy was struck by a pellet from a shotgun shell that fired accidentally while a relative was unloading the gun inside his home. The pellet passed through a wall and struck the boy in the neck. His relative had gone …

Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Kentucky Michigan Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania South Carolina Wisconsin April 24, 2022April 27, 2022 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 2022

There were gun accidents across the country today resulting in at least six death or injuries: A person taking part in a gun training for Taylor, Michigan auxiliary police officers was shot in the abdomen and taken to the hospital. He was accidentally shot by another person participating in the training. “The volunteers with Taylor’s …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Michigan Ongoing Investigation South Carolina February 17, 2022February 23, 2022 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Gun accidents involving children appear to have become so routine that they are sometimes barely reported. In Florence, South Carolina, there was an accidental shooting involving a child that resulted in hospitalization. No other information was reported. And in Detroit, Michigan, a five-year old was shot and taken to the hospital. Either he or another …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina February 10, 2022February 12, 2022 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2022

An Anderson County, South Carolina 9-year old was shot today when his mother’s gun fell out of her purse, struck the floor and discharged. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. The sheriff’s office is investigating. Source: Anne Newman, “Child Shot at Anderson County Home, Deputies Say,” wyff4.com (February 10, 2022).

Adult Death Adult Injury No Charges Filed South Carolina Utah January 31, 2022February 3, 2022 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2022

Lynette Billeter, age 58, a cherished teacher at a school in Sandy, Utah for adult special education students was shot and killed in a hunting accident today. She was returning to a utility terrain vehicle after hunting with family members when “a gun fired” and she was struck in the mid-section. First responders arrived at …

Adult Injury Ongoing Investigation South Carolina January 21, 2022January 24, 2022 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, JANUARY 21, 2022

In Columbia, South Carolina, a woman with a gun in her pocketbook or in her pocket accidentally shot herself while shopping at a local mall. Other shoppers heard a loud bang and rushed from the premises. The woman’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, but her precise condition is unknown. Police are investigating whether …

Adult Injury Child Under 18 (as Shooter) No Charges Filed South Carolina January 1, 2022January 6, 2022 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022

No charges will be filed after a teenage girl participating in dog drive hunt in Darlington County, South Carolina fired a shotgun round at a deer and struck an adult male who has also a participant in the hunt. The man was struck by a pellet in the torso. According to authorities, the man was …

Adult Injury Alabama Child Injury (18 and Under) Oklahoma South Carolina Virginia December 20, 2021December 23, 2021 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2021

There were at least four incidents of accidental gun violence today. Two of the incidents involved guns firing when they were dropped, a common gun defect. The other two incidents were accidental shooting in vehicles, which often occur because people attempt to store guns that they are carrying before entering a store or another public …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina December 19, 2021December 22, 2021 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2021

In Columbia, South Carolina, a 13-year old and his friend were handling a loaded gun when it went off. The 13-year old was struck and killed. “Where did they get the gun? That’s my biggest question as a parent. Where did they get the gun from? Why were they playing with it? Why was it …

Adult Arrested Adult Death South Carolina November 8, 2021November 13, 2021 by Gary Klein

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021

Elizabeth Newton Smith, a 59-year old woman in McColl, South Carolina was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter after a rifle purportedly fell and discharged on the porch of her home. David Williams, age 58, was found dead at the scene. If the rifle fell and discharged, any claim that the rifle was defective by …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Oklahoma Ongoing Investigation South Carolina November 7, 2021November 13, 2021 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2021

Three children were injured today in two separate gun accidents. A nine-year old in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma was injured when a gun accidentally discharged. According to the report, a group of children were playing with the gun in an apartment when it discharged and struck the child in the hip. The report does not provide …

Adult Injury Ongoing Investigation South Carolina November 5, 2021November 7, 2021 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2021

For the second time in a week, there was a gun accident at a gun shop. Today’s shooting at Superior Pawn and Gun in Virginia Beach, Virginia, follows an incident on Tuesday in Charleston, South Carolina in which a gun store employee was killed. Few details were reported about today’s incident, other than it was …

Adult Death Ongoing Investigation South Carolina November 2, 2021November 5, 2021 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2021

Jon Whitley, a Charleston, South Carolina gun store owner accidentally shot and killed an employee after mistaking his personal handgun for a bb gun. The accident victim, Stefan Mrgan, age 36, died shortly after officers arrived at the gun store, Coastal Firearms. “A witness told Deputies he saw the two men having a normal conversation, …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina October 29, 2021October 31, 2021 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2021

A three-year old in Columbia, South Carolina shot and killed herself today. No other details are available. Authorities have not said how the child got the gun. Nor do they question why there are no laws or regulations that would prevent gun designs that make it simple for a toddler to pull a trigger. Source: …

Child Death (18 and Under) No Charges Filed South Carolina October 16, 2021October 18, 2021 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2021

In Greenville, South Carolina, a 4-year old died in a gun accident today. The child passed away at the hospital and no further details are available. According to the local Sheriff’s office, “there is no threat to the community.” Source: Freeman Stoddard, Thomas Gore, “4-year-old Child Dies from Accidental Gunshot, Coroner’s Office Confirms” Fox Carolina …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Mississippi South Carolina Texas July 24, 2021July 26, 2021 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, JULY 24, 2021

A 6-year old child was killed and two teenagers were injured in accidental shootings today. Again, minimal details were reported. The 6-year old, Charles Garza or Amroy, Mississippi, was killed in a gun accident in his home. No details were reported other than that his father, Justin Garza, is a fire fighter. A Go-Fund-Me page …

Alabama Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Illinois Maryland No Charges Filed Oklahoma Ongoing Investigation South Carolina July 3, 2021August 31, 2021 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021

At least three toddlers and two teenagers were injured in gun accidents today. The reported details of most of the incidents are limited or murky. In Birmingham, Alabama, a two-year old apparently shot himself inside a vehicle at a gas station. The news story implies that the child found a gun in the car, perhaps …

Adult Injury Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania South Carolina June 3, 2021June 6, 2021 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, JUNE 3, 2021

A Myrtle Beach, South Carolina man showing off a new gun holster to his friend shot himself in the hand while dropping the magazine out of his gun. The man was treated at the hospital. Police found the gun in a filing cabinet and a shell casing on the floor. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a 21-year …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina January 28, 2021January 30, 2021 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2021

The Bennettsville, South Carolina Police Department issued the following statement about a gun accident that injured two children today, reprinted here in its entirety: “The Bennettsville Police Department Detectives’ Division was called in reference to a shooting at a residence inside the city limits of Bennettsville, SC. A preliminary investigation has led detectives to conclude …

Adult Injury Ongoing Investigation South Carolina December 20, 2020December 22, 2020 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2020

In Greenville, South Carolina, there is an ongoing investigation of a gun accident at City Arsenal, a gun store and shooting range, that injured two people. An individual inside the store accidentally fired a shot that struck his hand and then struck a second person, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Both men are hospitalized in …

Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina December 8, 2020December 12, 2020 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2020

Two people were hurt today in another accident that could have been prevented by a magazine safety disconnect. Two cousins, ages 16 and 21, in Holly Hill, South Carolina were parked in a car when the older boy removed a pistol from his backpack and removed the magazine. Shortly afterward, the mother of the 16-year-old …

Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina November 14, 2020November 16, 2020 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2020

A four-year old North Charleston, South Carolina boy died in a gun accident today. He apparently found a loaded gun and accidentally shot himself, though few details are available. No arrests have been made, but the police continue to investigate. According to the report, “South Carolina doesn’t punish firearm owners for leaving their weapons out, …

Child Death (18 and Under) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina November 6, 2020November 9, 2020 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020

18-year old James Noel Zamora was killed during training in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Zamora, a private, was a California soldier in combat training at the base. The accident occurred at the rifle range. Training was stopped for 36-hours to attend to the needs of soldiers and to evaluate relevant procedures. “Our hearts are heavy …

Adult Death Ongoing Investigation South Carolina October 15, 2020October 19, 2020 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2020

19-year old Hunter Pontus was killed in a gun accident today in York County, South Carolina. An older man was taking apart a gun when it fired. The round passed through the man’s hand and then struck and killed Hunter, who was sitting nearby. There is an ongoing investigation. Source: “Deputies: 19-year-old Killed in Accidental …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation South Carolina September 24, 2020September 26, 2020 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2020

In Greenwood, South Carolina, a nine-year old boy found a gun in the center console of the family car today and shot himself. He was taken to the hospital with his parents, where his injuries are not considered life threatening. There is an ongoing investigation, but no arrests have been made. Certainly everyone is lucky …

Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) No Charges Filed South Carolina Uncategorized September 17, 2020September 19, 2020 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

In Eastover, South Carolina, a 12-year old boy was showing a friend a gun that he found in his home when he shot himself in the upper body. The boy was taken to the hospital where he was treated for the wound. Police say two 12-year old boys were home alone at the time of …

Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Mississippi Ongoing Investigation South Carolina August 9, 2020August 11, 2020 by Gary Klein

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2020

Two children unintentionally shot and killed others while playing with guns today. Each gun accident involves two shattered lives. In Biloxi, Mississippi, a “deceased male … under the age of 18” was “hanging out at an apartment” with friends when a 13-year old, Jayden Kyshun Frazier, started showing off a gun and pointing it at …

Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) South Carolina July 25, 2020July 27, 2020 by Gary Klein

SATURDAY, JULY 25, 2020

A two-year old boy died in a gun accident Saturday night in Graniteville, South Carolina. He “accessed a handgun and shot himself” according to a news report. Deputies arriving at the scene “observed a complainant sitting on the ground in the roadway holding her 2-year-old son, Jamarious Rogers, in her arms.” He later died at …

Adult Injury No Charges Filed South Carolina July 10, 2020July 13, 2020 by Gary Klein

FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2020

In Anderson County, South Carolina, a woman who was legally carrying a firearm shot herself in the hip as she was entering the Dollar General store. According to the Sheriff’s office, the gun accidentally discharged while inside her purse. The woman was the only one injured in the accident. She was flown to the hospital …

Adult Injury Ongoing Investigation South Carolina May 19, 2020May 29, 2020 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2020

Another innocent bystander was struck by gunfire today. In North Charleston, South Carolina, a woman trying to hide from gunshots was accidentally struck by a man who appeared to be firing for no reason outside a club. The suspect was apparently shooting in the air without intending to hit anyone. Source: Tony Fortier-Bensen, “Female Injured …

Adult Injury Alabama Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Delaware Ongoing Investigation South Carolina May 7, 2020May 29, 2020 by Gary Klein

THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2020

Few details were reported about three incidents in which people were shot and injured in gun accidents today. In Auburn, Alabama a young person was flown to the hospital and is in stable condition after being accidentally shot at an apartment complex. The child’s age and the circumstances of the accident were not reported. In …

Adult Death Ongoing Investigation South Carolina April 7, 2020April 15, 2020 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2020

In another fatal gun accident, an unidentified 19-year old Goose Creek, South Carolina man is dead after he was shot inside a local home. According to investigators, the “shooter was trying to show the victim how to clean the weapon but failed to ensure the gun was empty, leading to the fatal shot.” The shooter …

Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Missouri South Carolina March 3, 2020March 12, 2020 by Gary Klein

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020

A three-year old shot himself in the head today in Columbia, South Carolina with a gun he found in a bedroom in his home. He is hospitalized in critical condition. His mother was later charged with “unlawful conduct toward a child.” In Bolivar, Missouri a two-year old child shot his four-year old brother in the …