As gun violence continues unabated across America, a 32-year old Chicago, Illinois man who was simply standing on a sidewalk in Humboldt Park was shot in the back. Also in the park, a 28-year old women was shot in the head while she was driving a car, causing her to crash. Both victims are hospitalized, …
Tag: Victim was Innocent Bystander
Adult Arrested Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Colorado New York Ongoing Investigation Pennsylvania
SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021
Six women and a toddler were struck by stray bullets in four incidents today. Although the shooters may have had violent intent, all of the women struck were not intended targets. In Aurora, Colorado, numerous shots were fired by two or more shooters outside an apartment complex. Two of the rounds passed into the building. …
SUNDAY, MAY 30, 2021
In Dallas, Texas, a woman who was 8-months pregnant was struck by gunfire while leaving church today. She was an innocent bystander as two groups of men began firing at each other across the parking lot outside the church. The woman was rushed to the hospital where she was treated for a gunshot wound and …
WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021
Once again, multiple children were unintentional victims of gun violence today. One 7-year old was shot by a 9-year old relative. The other three victims were innocent bystanders to intentional gun violence. In Houston, Texas, a 7-year old child was shot by a 9-year old relative who found a loaded gun on the bed in …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Kansas New York Ongoing Investigation
MONDAY, MAY 24, 2021
A 15-year old girl died and two children, age 6 and 8, were injured as unintended victims of gun violence today. Destiny Greene, an Albany, New York high school student was an innocent bystander when gunfire erupted at a social event organized via social media. She died at the hospital. “Destiny is the tenth person …
Adult Arrested Alabama Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Kentucky Ongoing Investigation Tennessee Texas Virginia Washington
SATURDAY, MAY 22, 2021
Seven children under the age of six were killed or injured by gunfire today. All of them were innocent bystanders to adult gun violence. In Memphis Tennessee, a one-year old child was shot and killed inside a vehicle. “Our kids are scared to death out there,” a local community group leader said. The other incidents …
Adult Death Adult Injury Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Florida Illinois Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Michigan Ohio Ongoing Investigation
WEDNESDAY, MAY 19, 2021
In Akron, Ohio, a 13-year old boy accidentally shot a 15-year old girl. The boy was handling a gun in the back seat of a car when it fired. The round passed through a seat and struck the girl who suffered non-life threatening injuries. Also today, more than 10 innocent bystanders were shot in gun …
Adult Arrested Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Indiana Ongoing Investigation Texas
MONDAY, MAY 10, 2021
In Saint Joseph County, Indiana, a two year-old found a gun and shot himself. Police say the child suffered multiple non-life-threatening injuries to his right foot, left leg and left hand and is being treated at the hospital. Police did not say how the child found the gun, but they are seeking at least one …
SUNDAY, MAY 9, 2021
Six-year old Saryah Perez of San Antonio, Texas was shot and killed in her car seat when “a disturbance happened and shots were fired.” The car that Saryah was sitting in was struck and Saryah, an innocent bystander, was killed. Andrew Elizondo, age 23, was arrested and charged with murder. “It’s a random act by …
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. …
THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021
Two six-year old children and a five-year old were injured in unintentional shooting incidents today. Both six-year olds were innocent bystanders to the disputes of others and the five-year old was accidentally shot by her own father. In Yonkers, New York, a six-year old boy who was answering the door of his home was shot …
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021
A 12-year old innocent bystander was shot and killed in Leavenworth, Kansas today. One adult and two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the incident. The adult, Darvon Thomas, age 25, is charged with felony murder. Police reported that gunshots also struck a vehicle occupied by a 30-year-old woman and a 6-month-old child. Source: …
MONDAY, APRIL 12, 2021
Three-year old Jamayla Marlowe of Nashville, Tennessee was shot and killed when she was caught in the crossfire of a shootout that erupted between several individuals. Her sister, Antania Butler, age 2, was injured in the incident. The two girls were in a parked car when the shooting started. Afterwards, police identified several men who …
SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2021
In Hartford, Connecticut, a three-year old boy died today when someone fired into the car in which he was riding. The boy’s mother and two other young children were in the car at the time of the incident. A male passenger was also present, but he ran off after the shooting. According to police, the …
THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021
In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Trevion Cole, a 5-year old, was shot and killed by another child. The two children had found a loaded gun. An adult who was home at the time was not in the room when the accident occurred. On the same day, Sara Collins, a 14-year old Oklahoma City girl, was also …
TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021
In Tallahassee, Florida, an innocent bystander was killed when two groups of people opened fire at each other in a local gas station parking lot. Police later arrested two suspects and charged them with felony murder. Source: “Update: Two Men Arrested in Connection to Fatal Circle K Shooting,” WCTV.tv (March 24, 2021).
SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 2021
In Louisiana today, there were two different innocent bystander shootings. Three people were injured, and a five-year old child has died. In Shreveport, Louisiana, one of two men arguing in a hotel parking lot fired a gun. The bullet penetrated the wall of the hotel and struck a five-year old in the head and grazed …
Child Injury (18 and Under) Illinois Montana New Hampshire No Charges Filed Ongoing Investigation Tennessee
SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2021
13-year old children in Illinois and Tennessee were innocent victims of gun violence today. Both were innocent bystanders when gunfights broke out between others on the street. These incidents are part of an epidemic of innocent bystander shootings associated with a national increase in gun violence. The Chicago, Illinois victim and a man he was …
SATURDAY, MARCH 13, 2021
One woman was killed and another injured in innocent bystander incidents today. There have been three such incidents in the last two days. In Waco, Texas, a woman was inside her apartment when she was struck and killed by a bullet fired in an incident outside her home. She was found later by her roommate. …
FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021
Gudelia Vallinas of Queens, New York, age 37, was an innocent bystander caught between two rival gangs when she was shot and killed on Friday. Ms. Vallinas was an unintended target when two groups of 6 to 7 teenagers each starting firing at each other at a Queens housing complex. “I heard the gunshots, like …
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2021
In a complicated incident today, Houston, Texas police accidentally shot a one-year old child in the head. They were reportedly attempting to prevent a carjacking at the time of the incident. The baby is in stable condition at the hospital. Police report that they were chasing an armed suspect, wanted for several aggravated robberies. At …
Adult Death Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Ohio Ongoing Investigation Texas
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2021
An 88-year old woman was killed and a three-year old child was seriously injured in separate gun accidents today. In Warren, Ohio, 88-year old Ruth Lewis was planning a funeral with family members when someone shot through a window and killed her. “This was a senseless death caused by a random bullet. Obviously, she wasn’t …
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2021
At Desert Sky Mall in Phoenix, Arizona, a 17-year old boy was shot as an innocent bystander to an argument between others about a pair of sneakers. Alejandro Martinez, a high-school student, was shot and killed on the anniversary of the Parkland High School murders. According to the report, gunfire erupted at a kiosk inside …
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021
An 8-year old boy was accidentally shot in Milwaukee, Wisconsin today inside his home by a bullet fired outside. The report does not include information about the boy’s condition. A 16-year old was later arrested for firing indiscriminately into the home. “If children and women in our city are not safe, nobody is safe,” said …
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2021
Two 55-year old innocent bystanders were shot inside a New Orleans, Louisiana hospital when a woman outside fired a gun in an attempt to settle an argument. Both of the victims are expected to survive. A man and a woman were arguing on an on-ramp to the emergency room when the woman fired a gun …
SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2021
In Niles, Ohio, Nicklas Trkula, age 21, was attempting to shoot a man he believed to be his girlfriend’s lover. The bullet he fired passed through an apartment wall and struck another man in the leg while he was watching TV. Trkula fled the scene with his girlfriend, but was later tracked down by police …
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2021
Two innocent bystanders were accidentally shot at 2:06 A.M. on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. According to the report, two people opened fire on each other. Neither of the shooters was hit. The two victims were an 18-year old woman and a 57-year old man. Police are looking for the shooters. Source: “NOPD Investigating Double …
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 2021
A 74-year old man was accidentally shot and killed in his Louisville, Kentucky home today. The round that killed him was fired in a dispute between two groups of people outside. The man has not been publicly identified and no arrests have been made. We call him Mr. Herb,” a neighbor said. “He’s a great …
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2021
At least three children were accidentally shot and injured today. They were aged 14, 15, and 7. The incidents occurred in states that have been regular sites of gun accidents involving children: Florida, Ohio and North Carolina. The most fully reported of the accidents was in Jacksonville, Florida. Ayva Guthrie, age 14,was accidentally shot by …
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2020
In Denver, Colorado, a four-year old girl sitting in a parked car was critically injured when a nearby dispute about a car improperly parked in a handicapped space resulted in gunfire. According to police, the girl “was caught in the crossfire when the suspect left a business and started shooting at another man taking pictures …
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020
Three young girls were struck by bullets and injured in unrelated incidents today. Two children were shot in their homes. A third was in a car when she was struck. In each case, it is clear the child was not the intended target of gun violence. No suspects are in custody. In the first incident, …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Children and Guns Connecticut Florida Georgia Ongoing Investigation Washington, DC
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2020
On the 8th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, at least four children were killed or injured in gun accidents. Three of the incidents involved guns that were found by the children themselves or by other children. The fourth involved a child who was hit by a stray bullet while walking on the …
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2020
In New York City, New York a 41-year old innocent bystander was shot in the back by a round that was fired near West 64th Street. He is expected to survive. The shooting took place just a few blocks away from Lincoln Center, a cultural community that has more than five million visitors annually. The …
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 …
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2020
Kristen Whitted, a St. Louis, Missouri woman, died alone in her car when she has struck by a stray bullet fired in a shootout between two cars on Interstate I-170. An innocent bystander, she “had no connection to the other vehicles and was caught in the crossfire.” Kristen’s family released the following statement: “Kristen always …
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2020
For the second day in a row, a four-year old child was an unintended shooting victim. In Tacoma, Washington, shots were fired into the window of a home. The four-year old was the only person struck. She was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Source: Stacia Glenn, “4-year-old Girl Shot, Injured While Inside …
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020
Two young children were innocent victims of gun violence on Halloween. Both were bystanders when arguments broke out and shots were fired. In New York City, an 8-year old, her father and a third bystander were wounded by gunfire outside a supermarket. All three victims are in stable condition. According to a witness, three gunshots …
Adult Arrested California Child Death (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Indiana Ongoing Investigation
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 …
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2020
Diana Davis of Chester, Pennsylvania was driving home from work when she was killed by a stray bullet fired along her route. Video shows her car then slowly crashing into a utility pole. No arrests have yet been made. “Turn yourself in man. Turn your damn dumb self in. It doesn’t make no sense. That’s …
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2020
In a Providence, Rhode Island apartment, a woman was struck in the leg by a stray bullet while nursing her baby. The round was fired outside the apartment by an unknown shooter for an unknown reason. It passed through the apartment door and an inside wall before hitting the woman, Asende Mosi. Her baby was …
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
The impact of random gunfire on innocent bystanders was felt again today, when Bertha Arriaga, a mother of three boys, was shot and killed in her bedroom in Queens, New York. The bullet passed through a window and struck her in the neck. One of Arriaga’s sons found her bleeding on the floor. “He found …
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2020
In Miami, Florida, Pastor Gregory Boyd was an innocent bystander killed when caught between two arguing groups of men firing guns. Pastor Boyd “was known for the high-energy messages he would deliver at New Birth Harvest Outreach Ministries Churches of Deliverance.” Boyd was walking in front of a shoe store at a local mall when …
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2020
In Chicago, Illinois, a mail carrier was the innocent victim of a drive-by shooting. She was accidentally shot four times while delivering the mail and is in critical condition. She was struck in the legs, stomach and back of her head by shots fired from one of two cars traveling past at a high rate …
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2020
In yet another innocent bystander shooting, 14-year old K-Ron Surratt was shot and killed near his home in Emporia, Virginia. K-Ron was getting ready to enter the 9th grade. His mother said, “K-Ron was ‘a very outspoken person, he was fun to be around, he loved to listen to music, he loved to dance,’ as …
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 …
Child Death (18 and Under) Child Injury (18 and Under) Child Under 18 (as Shooter) Delaware Florida Ongoing Investigation
MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2020
An 11-year old and a 12-year old were involved in gun accidents today. In Lake County, Florida, 12-year old Jeremyah Wyatt found an unsecured gun in his home and accidentally shot and killed himself. “This is that one of those calls that deputies don’t want to ever go to — and paramedics. No one wants …
SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2020
During a police action in Taft, Texas, a woman was accidentally shot by police. She was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition. According to the report, an identified man pointed a gun at police and then retreated into a home. The woman was injured when police then fired into the home. When …
MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 2020
In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1-year old Zykier Young was killed inside his home by a bullet fired outside. According to investigators, the shot traveled through a window and then two walls before hitting Zykier. A Pittsburgh police press release stated, “[w]ith a police sergeant driving, two police officers held the baby in the backseat and worked …
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2020
In a tragic accident in Trenton, New Jersey, a long-time state employee was working on her front porch when she was shot and killed by a stray bullet. Vernetta McCray, 39, was an employee of New Jersey’s department of children and families. Phil Murphy, New Jersey’s governor praised McCray for her dedication and service. “This …
THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020
In separate incidents in the nation’s capital, an 8-year old girl and a 5-year old boy were struck and injured by gunfire. The news report also describes recent Washington, DC incidents in which 11-year old Davon McNeal and 17-year old Christopher Brown were struck and killed by gunfire. In each of these incidents, the victim …
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2020
In Lorain, Ohio, Edward Suggs was struck and killed by a stray bullet while on the front porch of a local home. Several members of the Sophisticated Gents Motorcycle Club were gathered on the porch when they heard gunshots down the street. Mr. Suggs was attempting to get off the porch by entering the home …
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2020
A two-year old girl who was caught in the crossfire when shots were fired is dead. A girl the police identified only as “Jo Jo” was in a car in Hammond, Indiana with her mother when the incident occurred. Jo Jo’s mother was unharmed. According to police, neither Jo Jo nor her mother had a …
SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020
For at least the third time this week, children were shot and killed by stray gunfire. Ten-year old Lena Nunez, of Chicago, Illinois, was struck by a bullet that entered through her apartment window and hit in the head. She was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police believe that a group of males outside were …
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020
To pick up where we left off yesterday, in New York City today, 7-year old Kayley Santiago was struck in the thigh by stray gunfire while walking in the street with family members. 16-year old Isaiah Vazquez was firing at a rival and Kayley was an unintended victim. Vazquez was charged with attempted murder, assault …
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2020
The pandemic of gun violence across the country continues to have unintended consequences for innocent bystanders. Two children who were playing in an empty lot in Kalamazoo, Michigan were struck by gunfire today during a gun battle between people firing shots from two different vehicles. Although the shooting was presumably intentional, the accidental injuries to …
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 …
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020
In a continuing epidemic of young children being caught in the cross-fire of gun violence among adults, a 7-year old was shot and killed in his home during an argument in Clayton County, Georgia. According to a report, “[t]he shooting was the result of an altercation between [an] 18-year-old and the occupants of a white …
FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2020
A young Roanoke, Virginia boy was found in a vehicle with gunshot wounds. He later died at the hospital. The boy’s age was not released. Police responded to a “shots fired” call and later found the boy. A man separately arrived at the hospital with gunshot wounds. Police assume that the two injuries are related …
MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2020
Once again, a young child was shot as an innocent bystander to a violent argument, this time in Jacksonville, Florida. This is the second shooting of a child as bystander to an argument in two days. It is the third gun accident of this type in four days. The victim, Kearria Attison, was 5-years old. …
SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2020
In Chester, Pennsylvania, 7-year old Sinsir Parker was found dead after being hit by a “stray bullet” during an apparent drive-by shooting. He had been shot in the face and was discovered lying in the middle of the street. Police are investigating. The report noted that the incident was the 14th homicide in Chester in …
SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020
In an incident in Craigsville, Virginia, a 14-year old girl was accidentally shot in the hip during an altercation. The girl was attending a party where a fight broke out. One of the participants fired a warning shot into the ground. A bullet fragment ricocheted and struck the 14-year old. The man who fired the …
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a 7-year old boy was accidentally shot on the street. He suffered a non-fatal wound. The shooting was apparently related to an argument in which the boy was not the intended target. Police are investigating. Source: “Milwaukee Police: 7-year-old Boy Shot, Wounded Near 23rd and Locust,” Fox6now.com (April 4, 2020).