Police arrested a Tennessee grandmother after her 8-year-old grandson accidentally shot himself with a loaded gun she left accessible. Miami Herald reports that authorities accused 48-year-old Gracie Patton Mimms of leaving her 8-year-old grandson, Philip’e Woodard, home alone on (Sept. 14).
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Details On The Tragic Shooting Of Child Left Alone By Tennessee Grandmother
According to PEOPLE, Philip’e Woodard was under Gracie Patton Mimms’ care when he accidentally shot himself in their Nashville home. Per Miami Herald, Mimms allegedly left Woodard at home with his 10-year-old brother and a 16-year-old family friend while she went out to “spend time with friends.” During that time, Woodard accidentally shot himself and later died after arriving at the hospital that same day.
After the shooting, officers discovered four live rounds in the magazine, as stated in court documents. Investigators concluded that Mimms’ failure to supervise contributed to her grandson’s death.
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“Mimms was determined to have been the adult responsible for Philllip’e when she departed the N. 2nd Street home to go spend time with friends,” police stated.
Furthermore, Mimms told detectives she knew the firearm was in the room with the children but believed it was unloaded, as WSMV stated.
What’s Next For Tennessee Grandmother & Details On Her Arrest
On Oct. 3, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department announced that Gracie Patton Mimms faces charges of criminal homicide and aggravated child neglect related to her grandson Philip’e Woodard’s death in September.
PEOPLE reveals that online jail records indicate that Mimms remains in custody with a bond set at $150,000. It remains unclear whether she has entered a plea for the charges, and no attorney has commented on her situation.
