Police Release More Information On Fatal Shooting Of 4-Year-Old
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- There's new information in the accidental shooting of a Baltimore boy.
Adam May has the latest on the investigation.
Not only was the gun improperly stored, it appears to be illegally owned.
On Sunday morning at Fernhill Avenue in Northwest Baltimore, 4-year-old Tyeshawn Townsend found a gun inside his home. It went off, hitting the boy in the face. He was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead.
"It's a horrible, horrible tragedy for that family," said Police Commissioner Fred Bealefeld.
But police also say the gun was not registered and they're having a difficult time determining its origins.
"What we want to know is where did that gun come from? Whose gun is it? How did it end up in this kid's hands? That's what detectives are doing right now," said Anthony Guglielmi, Baltimore City Police.
Neighbors heard the boy's mother screaming in horror, leaving many with concerns.
"I think guns shouldn't be allowed in the home, period--especially with young children. Children of any age, actually," said Anna Coats.
"I just think people who own handguns need to be more responsible with them, but I just can't imagine what the parents are going through at this time and my prayers go out to them," said India Motse-Dyson.
Meanwhile, police are now consulting with the ATF. They're working to trace the history of the weapon.
So far, no one is facing any criminal charges but police say the investigation is still active.
On average, around 200 children accidentally fatally shoot themselves every year in the U.S.
