A tragedy recently unfolded for a Houston family, as a 3-year-old girl inadvertently shot and killed her older sister, 4, after stumbling across a loaded gun at home.
The Young Kids Were ‘Basically Unsupervised’ Despite 5 Adults Being Home
According to a social media statement from Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the shooting occurred on Sunday evening as the young sisters were playing in a bedroom.
Gonzalez pointed out that there were a total of five adults present in the home when the shooting occurred. Additionally, he noted that both of the children’s parents believed that the other was supervising the kids at the time of the incident.
However, the girls were ultimately left “basically unsupervised,” allowing the 3-year-old to “unintentionally” shoot her sister after discovering the “loaded semi-automatic pistol.” The family rushed to the 4-year-old and called 9-1-1 after hearing the gunshot, though she was ultimately “pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Regarding the matter, Gonzalez called it “a very preventable situation.”
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, briefing media on the accidental shooting death of a four year old girl. A three year old girl found an unsecured firearm, and shot the four year old. Crimes against Children investigators are on scene.#Hou News pic.twitter.com/zXE6gtxK23
— HCSOTexas (@HCSOTexas) March 13, 2023
deceased at the scene. Investigators and PIO are enroute. #HouNews
2/2— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) March 13, 2023
Cops Speak On How ‘Preventable’ Accidental Gun Deaths Are: ‘Too Many Tragic Situations Like This Unfold’
According to People, authorities went on to detain all of the adults who were in the home at the time of the tragedy, and an investigation is being launched into whether the gun was properly stored.
The publication also notes that Gonzalez spoke on the community impact of the tragedy. Additionally, the sheriff utilized the opportunity to emphasize the importance of “being a responsible gun owner” by “securing your weapons in a safe place.”
“The community is impacted when a child loses their life in this way. This is very preventable…You’ve got to be sure you’re being a responsible gun owner, securing your weapons in a safe place.”
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez added, “It’s got to be more than just telling young kids not to touch the weapons…We see far too many tragic situations like this unfold.”
There are no further updates to the matter at this time, and we send our condolences to the family.
