ST. LOUIS — A 4-year-old boy died from a gunshot wound suffered inside a St. Louis home where no adults were present, police said.
Officers were called to the home by a child late Monday night and found the injured child unconscious and barely breathing. The 4-year-old was rushed in a police car to a hospital, where he died, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported.
Police said four children under the age of 10 were in the house with no adults present. Police are investigating to determine if another child had been handling the gun that resulted in the 4-year-old being shot.
The mother showed up at the hospital. Police said investigators are trying to determine who was responsible for watching the children.
Across the St. Louis metropolitan area, 15 children age 17 or younger have died from gunfire in 2024, according to Post-Dispatch records.
In a tragic incident that has shocked the community of St. Louis, a 4-year-old boy was fatally shot in an unsupervised home. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, when the young child was playing in a bedroom of the home and found a loaded gun. The gun accidentally discharged, striking the boy in the chest.
Authorities were called to the scene and the child was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The St. Louis Police Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, but initial reports suggest that the gun belonged to a family member who was not present at the time of the incident.
This heartbreaking tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of gun safety and responsible gun ownership. It is crucial for gun owners to securely store their firearms in a locked cabinet or safe, out of reach of children. Additionally, parents and caregivers must always supervise young children and educate them about the dangers of guns.
The loss of a young life in such a senseless and preventable manner is truly devastating. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young boy during this difficult time. It is our hope that this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for all gun owners to take the necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
In conclusion, this tragic incident highlights the need for increased awareness and education surrounding gun safety. It is imperative that we all work together to prevent such senseless tragedies from happening again. Let us honor the memory of this young boy by advocating for responsible gun ownership and ensuring the safety of our children.
