Because there are 390 million guns already present in the United States, it is clear that the only practical way forward is a relentless focus on preventing gun violence before it happens. Evidence-based suicide prevention programs and well-funded community-based gun violence intervention projects are two prongs of the necessary three-pronged approach. The third is reevaluation …
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GUNS, “SAFE SPACES” LEGISLATION, AND CARS
We recently posted on the likely impact of the Supreme Court’s decision in New York Rifle and Pistol Ass’n v. Bruen on gun safety. In Bruen, the Supreme Court ruled that all “law-abiding” Americans have a Second Amendment right to carry a gun outside the home for self-defense. Several states quickly responded by considering or …
The Bruen Decision: A Preliminary View of What it Means for Gun Safety
The Supreme Court ruled today, in New York Rifle and Pistol Ass’n v. Bruen, that all “law-abiding” Americans have a right to carry a gun outside the home for self-defense. This will have very serious implications and, as its most near-term consequence, will likely eliminate existing gun license procedures in at least five states. Perhaps …
A YEAR OF DAILY REPORTS ABOUT UNINTENDED GUN VIOLENCE
Lessons Learned: [note: hyperlinked material shows in dark blue] November 15, 2020 marked the one-year anniversary of Shattered: The Gun Accident Journal. There are now more than 366 daily reports in the archive, categorized by state and tagged for common safety issues. There are also five chronological narratives that illustrate the steady accumulation of family …
CHILDREN AND GUNS
Criminalizing the Negligence of Caregivers May Let Manufacturers Off the Hook It is quite clear from any rational child safety perspective that manufacturers should be discouraged or prevented from designing guns that children can easily fire. Better designs can be achieved with effective external manual safeties, magazine safety disconnects, heavier trigger pulls or trigger designs …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation Safe Storage in Cars Wisconsin
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2026
Two-year-old Fatally Shot by Four-year-old Sibling Two-year-old Crewe Zahradnik, died at the scene in Lamartine, Wisconsin, after a four-year-old sibling shot him with a gun found in the center console of the family’s vehicle. The siblings, and a third child, were in the vehicle in the driveway of their home, when their parent went back …
Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Louisiana Ongoing Investigation
THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 2026
Toddlers Shoot Themselves in Two Separate Gun Accidents A two-year-old boy in Harvey, Louisiana, shot himself with a gun he found in his uncle’s home. The boy is expected to survive. His uncle, 29-year-old Cedric Johnson, was arrested on multiple charges including cruelty to a juvenile, obstruction of justice, and possession of a firearm by …
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026
Woman Accidentally Shot During Fight at Smoke Shop A woman was accidentally shot during a fight with another person in a Raleigh, North Carolina smoke shop. A verbal argument between the two had escalated. The suspect hit the woman in the face with a pistol, causing it to fire a bullet that grazed the woman’s …
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026
Four-year-old Child Injured in Gun Cleaning Accident A gun discharged while 22-year-old Travon Prater was cleaning it, injuring a four-year-old child in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The child was airlifted to the hospital for surgery; their current condition was not reported. Prater told police he was reassembling a Glock 17, and it “went off” when he inserted the magazine. …
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2026
One-year-old Child Accidentally Shot and Killed Authorities did not reveal the circumstances that led up to the accidental shooting death of a one-year-old child in Elliston, Virginia. The child was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital with traumatic injuries. Jarron Shirk, age 29, faces multiple charges including felony homicide, child abuse and neglect, …
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2026
Five-year-old Girl Shot and Killed by Sibling A five-year-old girl was accidentally shot and killed by her seven-year-old sibling in a house in Bonifay, Florida. The two children, along with their mother and a six-year-old sibling, were visiting the home; the seven-year-old found a pistol that belonged to the homeowner. The homeowner was in the …
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2026
Boy Grazed by Stray Bullet Sitting in Father’s Car Waiting at a red light in his father’s car, a nine-year-old boy in Cleveland, Ohio, was struck by a stray bullet that came through the side of the vehicle shattering the rear window. A group of people nearby were arguing when the shots were fired. The boy was taken to …
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2026
Toddler Injured After Dropped Gun Fires In Houston, Texas, someone dropped a gun that fired, striking a three-year-old child in the chest. The child was seriously injured, but is in stable condition and is expected to survive. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the shooting. Source: Ronnie Marley, “3-year-old Hospitalized Following Shooting in …
THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2026
Teen Injured in Gun Accident A teenager is in stable condition at the hospital after they accidentally shot themself in the left hand and leg on a street in Columbus, Ohio. Police determined that the youth was handling the gun when it fired. Source: “Teen Shot in East Columbus Was Accident,” myfox28columbus.com (April 2, 2026).
Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026
Three-year-old Critically Injured After Shooting Himself With Uncle’s Gun A three-year-old boy inside a home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, accidentally shot himself in the head with his 17-year-old uncle’s gun. The boy is listed in critical condition at the hospital. People in the home, including teenagers, provided conflicting stories when interviewed. Police were unable to recover …
Adult Injury Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Ohio Ongoing Investigation
TUESDAY, MARCH 31, 2026
Two Accidental Shootings: Four-year-old is Killed, Man is Injured A four-year-old child died after shooting themself with a gun in an Okeechobee, Florida home. Police didn’t say if the gun belonged to anyone in the home, or how the child was able to access it. They are actively investigating the incident. And a boy accidentally …
MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2026
13-year-old Brain Dead After Being Unintentionally Shot by Friend A 13-year-old boy, identified as Chris by his family, was declared brain dead after he was accidentally shot in the back of the head by a friend in a home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The 13-year-old suspect was found by police hiding nearby with the gun, …
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2026
Two Children Injured After Being Accidentally Shot A seven-year-old child in Augusta, Georgia, was shot in the finger by a nine-year-old boy playing with a gun he found that unintentionally discharged. The gun belonged to the boyfriend of the boy’s mother. The victim was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The shooting is under …
Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Kansas Ongoing Investigation Tennessee
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026
Two Children Killed, One Injured, in Gun Accidents at Home In a home in Brookville, Kansas, a five-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene, and her eight-year-old brother was critically injured when another young child found a loaded gun and fired it. The investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances of the shooting. And in …
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026
Secret Service Agent Unintentionally Shoots Himself in the Leg It appears that a Secret Service agent accidentally shot himself in the leg getting into an unmarked SUV at the airport in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Assigned to former first lady Jill Biden, who was not nearby when the accident occurred, the agent was taken to the hospital …
THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026
Man Injured in Unintentional Shooting A man in Milton, Florida was injured in an accidental shooting that involved another man. The victim was conscious and alert as he was taken to the hospital. No other information about the shooting was reported. Source: “Deputies: Accidental Shooting in Milton Leaves One Man Injured,” weartv.com (March 26, 2026).
Adult Arrested Adult Death Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Juvenile Arrested North Carolina Ongoing Investigation
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026
Three People Killed in Accidental Shootings In his home in Ellenwood, Georgia, seven-year-old Anthony B. Jones III, was killed while he played with a loaded gun that unintentionally fired. Police continue to investigate the shooting, and it is unclear if anyone will be charged. A 12-year-old boy mishandled a loaded gun in La Grange, Georgia, and accidentally …
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026
15-year-old Boy Injured in Hunting Accident In Ukiah, California, a 15-year-old boy was treated at the scene before being airlifted for more specialized treatment after he accidentally shot himself while hunting. He had lost his footing causing his .22-caliber rifle to discharge. He is in stable condition. Source: Jeff Woodworth, “Teenager Recovering Following Hunting Accident in …
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026
High School Athlete Accidentally Shot and Killed by Teammate While hanging out in the apartment of a football teammate in Brooklyn, New York, 16-year-old Ka’Mardre Coleman was unintentionally shot in the chest, and pronounced dead later at a local hospital. A group of boys had gathered at the apartment. The mother of the boy who lived there was …
SUNDAY, MARCH 22, 2026
Two-year-old Killed in Accidental Shooting In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, two-year-old Kehlani Rodriguez was killed by an accidental discharge from a gun handled by 22-year-old Jesus Lopez. According to police, Lopez was handling a pistol around numerous children when it fired, fatally striking Kehlani, who was pronounced dead at the hospital. Lopez was charged with first-degree manslaughter. A GoFundMe …
Alabama Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Georgia Minnesota Ongoing Investigation
SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026
Three Children Injured in Unintentional Shootings A boy in Eagan, Minnesota, accidentally shot himself in the abdomen and was taken to the hospital for treatment. The boy’s condition was not reported. Police continue to investigate. An 11-year-old boy was accidentally shot during a physical altercation between multiple adult women at an Atlanta, Georgia apartment complex. One of the …
FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2026
Teenager Killed in Gun Accident at Apartment Complex Police believe that a 17-year-old girl was killed in an accidental shooting at an apartment complex in Manning, South Carolina. The victim and her boyfriend were playing around, engaged in “horseplay/intimate interaction,” when a gun the boyfriend was holding fired. It appears that the gun belonged to …
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Alabama Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested New York Ongoing Investigation Texas
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026
Three Victims Hurt in Gun Accidents, Including Three-year-old Boy A three-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the hand playing on the floor in the bedroom of an apartment in Tomball, Texas. His mother was lying in the bed, and she, and the toddler’s father, 25-year-old Lucas Nahum Benitez, brought the boy to the hospital for treatment. The boy’s …
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026
Teen Shot and Critically Injured The bedroom of a Baton Rouge, Louisiana home was full of people visiting when a gun unintentionally fired, injuring a 17-year-old male. The teenager was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Corey Williams, age 24, was charged with negligent injuring and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Police …
Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation Tennessee
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026
Two People in Tennessee Injured in Accidental Shootings It appears that a person in a White House, Tennessee hotel was accidentally shot in the arm and taken to the hospital for treatment. The incident is under investigation. And a juvenile male in Knoxville, Tennessee, accidentally shot himself and was taken to the hospital in unknown …
MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2026
Woman Injured After Stray Bullet Hits Her Inside Home In Broward, Florida, William Forhan, age 27, shot an innocent bystander after he fired a gun in pursuit of a person who robbed him. Forhan fired his gun multiple times at the fleeing thief; one of the bullets flew into a woman’s home, striking her in both legs and killing her cat. …
SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2026
Person Accidentally Shoots Themself at Food Court A person accidentally shot themself at a neighborhood food court in Redmond, Oregon. Police said that their injury was not life-threatening, and they were legally registered to carry a concealed firearm. The circumstances of the shooting were not reported. Source: Ian Haupt, “Redmond Food Court Patron Accidentally Shoots Self,” redmondspokesman.com …
SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2026
Two Men Injured in Unintentional Shootings Police are investigating an accidental shooting in Petaluma, California, that sent a man to the hospital with a single gunshot wound to his leg. His injuries are not life-threatening. The man was shot by his roommate, 53-year-old Michael Millane, who was arrested on suspicion of negligent discharge of a …
Adult Injury Arkansas Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Texas
FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026
Three People Injured in Gun Accidents Today Responding officers said a child got access to a loaded gun that discharged, injuring their older sibling in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The victim was alert when taken to the hospital. No word on their current condition. Near Century, Florida, a 17-year-old female was shot in the upper leg after a .45-caliber gun unintentionally …
Alabama Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) North Carolina Ongoing Investigation Safe Storage in Cars
THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026
Teen Killed and Child Injured in Separate Accidental Shootings In a Lumberton, North Carolina residence, a 15-year-old was accidentally shot in the chest and later died at the hospital. Brylon Sanders, age 18, cooperated with investigators at the scene. He told them, “he was attempting to unload and clear a firearm when the weapon discharged, …
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2026
Eight-year-old Accidentally Shot in Neck An eight-year-old girl is expected to survive, after she was accidentally shot in the neck in a home in Gainesville, Florida. The gun belonged to the homeowner who was out of town. A family member who was house-sitting, brought the victim and another child to the home. The children found …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Louisiana Ongoing Investigation Safe Storage in Cars Virginia
TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026
Two Children Killed After Being Accidentally Shot An eight-year-old accidentally shot and killed their 10-year-old sister, Kimani Thomas, near a restaurant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The children’s mother and stepfather both work at the restaurant; the stepfather was going to work, the mother was leaving, when the shooting happened. The eight-year-old was in a car …
MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026
Man Accidentally Shoots Himself In Stockton, California, 49-year-old Ben Butler accidentally shot himself, and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police later determined that Butler was prohibited from possessing firearms and had an outstanding arrest warrant. He was charged on suspicion of weapons violations and the outstanding warrant. Source: “Man Accidentally Shoots Self, …
SUNDAY, MARCH 8, 2026
Three People Injured in Gun Accidents Today In a Miami, Florida home, an eight-year-old girl was shot in the ankle after he father dropped a gun that discharged. She was taken to the hospital; the sheriff’s office is investigating. In a Miami Springs, Florida home, Michael Martinez, age 41, accidentally shot his wife with a shotgun he had obtained …
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026
Man Seriously Injured After Shotgun Fires Unintentionally In his Farmingville, New York home, 51-year-old Geonard Wade, handed a 15-year-old family member a shotgun that unintentionally fired, striking Wade in the arm. He was taken to the hospital for treatment, and is expected to recover. Wade was charged with reckless endangerment. Source: “Man Accidentally Shot After …
FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026
Accidental Shooting Killed Woman in Vehicle A woman was accidentally shot and killed in a vehicle in the parking lot of a shopping plaza in Memphis, Tennessee. The shooting involved a child. Police believe the car was leaving the parking area when it came to a stop. At this time, they did not release the …
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2026
Man Injured in Gun Cleaning Accident A man was injured in an accidental discharge while cleaning a firearm in his home in Chillicothe, Ohio. He told police he recently retrieved a gun safe from the remains of his old residence that had been destroyed by a fire earlier this year. Some of the guns were …
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2026
Juvenile Male Injured in Accidental Shooting Few details were reported about “what appears to be an accidental shooting involving a juvenile male,” in Antioch, Tennessee. The child was with his mother, and his injuries were not life-threatening. There is an investigation into the shooting. Source: Jessica Barker, “MNPD Responds to ‘Accidental’ Shooting of Juvenile Male in Antioch,” wkrn.com …
TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2026
Two People Accidentally Shoot Themselves In Long Beach, California, a man injured himself after he “negligently discharged a firearm.” He was taken to the hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his lower body. Police recovered the gun, and continue to investigate. And in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a person was taken to the hospital in …
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2026
Six-year-old Girl Shot and Killed in Vehicle In a shopping center parking lot in Detroit, Michigan, six-year-old Rebecca Brundidge was fatally shot after being left unattended in a car with four siblings. Their mother, 41-year-old Tonya Charisse-Annise Johnson, had gone into a restaurant, and left her five children, ages two to 11 years old, in …
SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2026
Six-year-old Girl in Stable Condition After Shooting Herself A six-year-old girl in Detroit, Michigan, is in stable condition after shooting herself in the shoulder and thumb with an unsecured gun. Her father, Marcellis Dushaun Williams, age 39, was charged with violating Michigan’s safe storage law. “We have had many tragedies in Wayne County where children have …
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026
Man Killed in Raccoon Hunting Accident In Rochester, Indiana, 31-year-old Andrew Boots was hunting raccoons with a group of people, when he was struck in the abdomen by a bullet that ricocheted off a tree. He later died at the hospital. It was determined that a member of the hunting party shot at a raccoon …
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026
Man Shot Himself Removing Gun from Vehicle A man accidentally shot himself in the lower leg at a Savannah, Georgia gas station. He was trying to retrieve a gun from under the car seat when it fired. His injury was not life-threatening. According to officials, no charges were filed. Source: Natasha Young, Ava Cartes, “UPDATE: Man …
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026
Teenager Injured in Accidental Shooting In Columbus, Ohio, a teenage girl is in stable condition at the hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound in an accidental shooting. The circumstances of the shooting were not reported. The police assault squad is investigating. Source: “Teenage Girl Hospitalized After Shooting in Hilltop Neighborhood,” 10tv.com (February 26, 2026).
Alabama Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ongoing Investigation Safe Storage in Cars
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026
Five-year-old Girl Fatally Shot Inside Car A five-year-old found a handgun in a vehicle in Greenville, Alabama, and fatally shot herself. Her parents were with her in the vehicle, and told police they had just arrived home and were sitting in the driveway when the child found the gun. They brought her to the hospital …
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026
14-year-old Girl Shot and Killed in Backseat of Vehicle A 14-year-old girl was shot and killed in the backseat of a vehicle in Hammond, Louisiana, by Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson, age 18, who was sitting in the front seat. Robinson dropped a gun he was playing with that unintentionally fired, striking the girl. He has been charged with …
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026
17-year-old Girl Killed in Accidental Shooting In a Wilkins Township, Pennsylvania apartment, Ni’Dreyah Marshall, age 17, died at the scene with a single gunshot wound to the head, after being unintentionally shot by 20-year-old Rayohna Hexstall. Two men were with Marshall and Hextsall, when a gun that Hexstall was waving around, fired. The group had been drinking alcohol …
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026
Teen Injured in Accidental Shooting A 15-year-old boy is in good condition after being accidentally shot in the leg in a Chicago, Illinois home. The shooter is in custody with charges pending. A gun was recovered at the scene, and detectives continue to investigate. Source: “Person in Custody After 15-year-old Boy Accidentally Shot in Morgan …
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2026
Pastor Killed by Roommate During Burglary In Houston, Texas, a local pastor, 62-year-old Pedro Cantu, was accidentally shot and killed by his 35-year-old roommate during an attempt to stop a burglary-in-progress at their home. The 44-year-old burglar was also shot during the encounter, but is expected to be OK. There is an ongoing investigation into …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Ongoing Investigation Texas
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026
Teen Killed Playing With Gun With Friends Three friends hanging out in an Arlington, Texas home, were playing with a gun that discharged, killing 14-year-old Riley Jordan. From a police statement, “[e]vidence suggests the juveniles were handling the weapon and pointing it at one another when it was discharged, striking the victim.” Riley was pronounced …
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2026
Man Shoots Himself in Store A man accidentally shot himself in the leg in a store in Temple, Texas. His injury was not life-threatening. He left the store after the shooting, but was found nearby and taken for treatment. Police are investigating. Source: Ethan Love, “Police Investigate Accidental Shooting That Injured Man in Temple Store,” kcentv.com (February …
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2026
Toddler Kills Himself With Father’s Gun In Sandy Springs, Georgia, River Willis, the two-year-old son of Richard Willis, found his father’s 9 mm gun in a fanny pack, and fatally shot himself in the face. River had been taken to his room for a nap with his cellphone, after Willis, his wife, and the boy had returned from …
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026
Two Children Killed in Separate Accidental Shootings Six-year-old Lascelle Lee IV, fatally shot himself in the face in a townhome in Montgomery Village, Maryland. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene. One adult was home with the boy at the time, and the gun used was legally registered. The circumstances of the shooting are …
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2026
Resident Shot After Being Mistaken for Intruder Trying to enter the home where they live in Riverside, Ohio, a person was shot in the foot by the homeowner. Neighbors reported hearing between five and eight shots. “After speaking to the residents, it was determined that the homeowner may have believed that a subject was attempting to break …
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2026
Boy Accidentally Shot Himself in the Leg A juvenile, who accidentally shot himself in the leg in Louisville, Kentucky, was taken to the hospital with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. Police continue to investigate. This is the second time in Louisville in less than a week, when a minor accidentally shot themself. Source: Samantha Murray, “LMPD: Juvenile Taken to Hospital After Shooting …
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026
Woman Killed in Accidental Shooting In a residence in Decatur, Illinois, 26-year-old Alexandra Wilson, was unintentionally shot by 25-year-old Christian D. Luthy, and taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead a short time later. No other details about the shooting were reported. Luthy, who made the 911 call and was taken into custody …
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026
Teenager Critically Injured After Accidental Shooting by Relative A 15-year-old boy was accidentally shot in the head by a family member in a home in Manor, Texas. The teen was taken to the hospital in critical condition. No other details about the shooting, or whether anyone will be charged, was reported. Police continue to investigate. …
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2026
Toddler Shoots Himself in Ankle Charges are pending in the accidental shooting of a three-year-old in Baltimore, Maryland. The toddler found an unsecured gun that a 17-year-old relative owned, and shot himself in the ankle. The toddler was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives continue to investigate. Source: “3-year-old Boy Found With Gunshot Wound …
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026
Teen Injured After Shooting Himself in the Leg In Louisville, Kentucky, a 17-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the leg and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police are investigating. Source: Renee Maloney, “LMPD: 17-year-old Boy Shot in the Tyler Park Neighborhood,” wlky.com (February 15, 2026).
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2026
Woman Unintentionally Shot by Boyfriend A woman in Hazel Green, Alabama, was unintentionally shot by her boyfriend, Kohner Forrester, and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. During the investigation, deputies found narcotics in the home and charged Forrester with possession of marijuana and resisting arrest. Officials continue to investigate the incident. Source: Ryan Fay, …
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026
Man Unintentionally Shot and Killed by Friend in Parking Garage On the second level of a parking garage in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 20-year-old Caleb Carter was accidentally killed by his friend Chad Howard. Howard, age 20, remained on the scene and admitted to deputies that he accidentally shot his friend with a 9mm handgun, then threw the gun down …
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2026
10-year-old Boys Injured in Two Accidental Shootings A 10-year-old boy in a Chicago, Illinois home shot himself in the hand and was taken to the hospital in fair condition. A gun was recovered at the scene. Detectives are investigating. And in a residence in Toledo, Ohio, a 10-year-old boy was accidentally shot by another 10-year-old …
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2026
10-year-old Girl Killed by Gun Modified for Rapid Fire In a house in Mishawaka, Indiana, 10-year-old Sophia Burks was killed in an accidental shooting that involved a gun “modified for rapid fire.” She was pronounced dead at the scene. The gun used belonged to the boyfriend of Sophia’s older sister, 17-year-old Jacob Olvera. The shooting …
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026
Five-year-old Kills Himself With Unsecured Gun While he was left unattended in a home in Black Jack, Missouri, five-year-old Jaylon Young found an unsecured, loaded gun, and fatally shot himself. Rayvone McPherson, age 29, admitted the gun was his, and that he had left the child alone with the gun in reach. He was charged with child endangerment …
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
17-year-old Killed by Stray Bullet Fired Through Motel Wall In a motel room in Lilburn, Georgia, 17-year-old Sheldon Lewis was playing video games, when a bullet from a neighboring room came through the wall and killed him. Family members were in the room and witnessed the shooting. “The gunshot didn’t even sound like a gunshot. It sounded like …
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026
Second Grader Injures Hand With Gun Brought From Home A seven-year-old boy brought a gun to his second-grade classroom in Glen Burnie, Maryland, and accidentally shot himself in the hand. His teacher quickly secured the gun, and took the boy to the nurse’s office to wait for first responders. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. “None of us can imagine the …
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2026
Teenager Injured After Shooting Himself in the Leg It was determined that a 16-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in the thigh on a street in San Antonio, Texas. The teen originally told police that shots were fired from a vehicle as it drove past him. He was taken to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. …
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2026
One Person Injured After Accidental Shooting One person was injured in an accidental shooting in Spartanburg, South Carolina. They were taken to the hospital in unknown condition. No other information was reported. Source: “One Injured in Reported Accidental Shooting, Deputies Say,” wyff4.com (February 3, 2026).
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026
13-year-old Boy Killed in Accidental Shooting A 13-year-old boy was shot and killed in an apartment in Humble, Texas, in what appears to be an accidental shooting. He was pronounced dead at the scene “from at least one gunshot wound.” The boy was living with his aunt at the apartment, and it appears she made …
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2026
Woman Grazed by Unintentional Discharge Inside Walmart A man and woman were in a Fayetteville, North Carolina Walmart together, when a gun the man was carrying unintentionally fired, grazing the woman. Police located the two people after they had left the store together, and determined that the woman’s graze wound did not require treatment. They …
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026
Unintentional Shooting Injures Four People In Springfield, Ohio, a man accidentally discharged a gun striking himself in the hand and injuring three other people. The shooter was treated at a local hospital and released, the other people remain in hospitals in “serious but stable condition.” An ongoing investigation will determine if charges will be filed. Source: Jessica Orozco, “4 Injured …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Juvenile Arrested Missouri Ongoing Investigation
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026
16-year-old Boy Accidentally Shot and Killed A 16-year-old boy was pronounced dead at a home in Charleston, Missouri, in what was determined to be an accidental shooting. A 14-year-old boy was arrested, and will likely be charged with manslaughter. Officials continue to investigate. Source: “Teen Dies Following Accidental Shooting; Juvenile Taken Into Custody, Police Say,” wsiltv.com …
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2026
Employee Accidentally Kills Himself Handling Friend’s Gun Described in his obituary as a former marine and general manager of a tire store in Mishawaka, Indiana, 29-year-old Curtiss Walker accidentally killed himself after handling a friend’s semi-automatic handgun. Walker was at work in a closed office of the store with two other people, when he accidentally fired the gun, striking himself in …
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
Three-year-old Shoots Off-duty Deputy Uncle In Spring, Texas, a three-year-old retrieved an unsecured gun from its holster and shot his uncle in the hand. The victim is a deputy with the sheriff’s office, and is stable condition at the hospital. He fell asleep on a couch after placing his duty belt near where the child was …
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
Two People Accidentally Shoot Themselves Cleaning Guns In his home in Maricopa, Arizona, a man was shot in the thigh by an accidental discharge while he cleaned his gun. He motioned to neighbors that he was okay as he left the home, and was seen holding his thigh as he got into the ambulance. His …
SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2026
Man Accidentally Shot in Leg In Timmonsville, South Carolina, a man was shot in the leg in what the sheriff said appears to be an accidental shooting. He was walking to find help when a couple picked him up and took him to a nearby store to meet paramedics. An investigation determined that the man was shot …
SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026
Woman Shot Trying to Break Up Fight A woman was shot trying to break up a fight between two men in Dayton, Ohio. After the shooting, she left and went to a hospital for treatment. The suspect, Cory Williamson, was found by police at a different hospital and taken into custody. He has been charged …
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026
Gun Cleaning Accident Kills 15-year-old Girl In an apartment in Northwood, Ohio, 15-year-old Symini Moore was shot and killed by 18-year-old Jakob Heintzelman, who told officials he was cleaning his gun when it unintentionally fired. Symini succumbed to her injuries before first responders arrived. Three other people were in the apartment with Symini; Heintzelman, his …
THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026
Five People Shot Outside Bus A witness said that a fight started on a bus in Washington, D.C., erupted into gunfire seconds after a group of teenagers were let off. Three adults and two juveniles were shot, sustaining injuries that were not life-threatening. The shooter fled the scene and remains at large. “We don’t believe …
Adult Arrested Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Michigan Ohio Ongoing Investigation
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2026
Two Gun Accidents; Four-year-old Killed, Three-year-old Wounded A four-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene after shooting herself in the head with a gun she found inside a home in Lansing, Michigan. Maliki Pendergrass, age 22, faces multiple charges that include firearms safe storage violation resulting in death, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and multiple …
TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026
Toddler and Teen Injured After Shooting Themselves A three-year-old boy is expected to recover after shooting himself in the hand with a semi-automatic handgun he found in an apartment in Warren, Michigan. The boy’s mother came with him to the hospital. Police recovered the gun and plan to interview another adult about the circumstances of the …
Adult Arrested Adult Death Adult Injury California Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Louisiana Ohio Ongoing Investigation Tennessee
MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026
Two People Dead, Two Wounded, in Unintentional Shootings Today The circumstances of a deadly shooting in Cutler, California that killed 19-year-old Madison Mendoza are under investigation. Mendoza was dropped off at the hospital by 37-year-old Joseph Morales, who was uncooperative with investigators and later arrested. “We do think this was accidental. These two appear to be friends. Their families …
SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2026
Two Children Shot, Fifth Grader is Killed A fifth-grade student was killed after being accidentally shot in their home in Moberly, Missouri. The school district released a statement noting that it was providing counseling and support to students and staff. “Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all affected by this tragic …
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026
Man Injured After Accidentally Shooting Himself In Makinen, Minnesota, a 67-year-old man living alone, accidentally shot himself in the leg with a .45 caliber pistol. He fetched the gun after being awakened by a noise, but fell back asleep still holding it when if fired. He was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Source: …
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
Three Innocent Bystanders Injured in Shooting at Historic Restaurant A shooting at an historic New Orleans, Louisiana restaurant, killed a targeted victim and injured three innocent bystanders. The targeted victim ran into the foyer of the busy restaurant after being chased and shot at on the street. According to the police superintendent, three women waiting for …
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
Man Accidentally Shot During Card Game A man was critically injured after being accidentally shot during a card game in Indianapolis, Indiana. A 27-year-old woman had taken a gun out of her purse to put it on the table, when it “went off.” She was charged with criminal recklessness and aggravated assault. Source: Ashley Fowler, “1 …
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
Teen Accidentally Shot and Killed by Cousin In Atlanta, Georgia, Jeremiah Finch, age 14, was pronounced dead at the hospital after being accidentally shot in the back by his cousin. Jaden Young, age 23, told officials that he was holding the gun carelessly when it fired. Young has been charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless conduct …
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026
Man Accidentally Shot and Killed by Best Friend In Fernandina Beach, Florida, a man was accidentally shot and killed by his 25-year-old best friend Ty William Richardson. Police described Richardson as “distraught” at the scene, and he said “…that he had just killed his best friend.” “He continued by saying they were playing around with ‘them,’ …
MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026
Eight-year-old Shoots Himself with Gun Found in Backyard In Columbus, Mississippi, an eight-year-old child accidentally shot himself with a gun he found in the backyard. The boy was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound to the hand and leg. No other information was reported. Source: Zac Carlisle, “Child Accidentally Shot Himself in Columbus,” wtva.com (January …
SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2026
Four-year-old in Critical Condition After Finding Father’s Gun A four-year-old girl in Dyersburg, Tennessee, is in critical condition after she shot herself with an unsecured gun. Details about the circumstances are unclear. The girl’s father told authorities that he left the gun in the living room before going to bed and forgot to secure it, …