7-year-old dead after shooting in Philadelphia's Juniata Park neighborhood, police say
A 7-year-old girl died after she was shot in the Juniata Park section of Philadelphia, police said.
The shooting happened just before 2:30 p.m. in a home on the 3800 block of I Street, police said. The child was taken to St. Christopher's Hospital, where she was pronounced dead soon after arriving.
Philadelphia Police Inspector D F Pace said police believe the girl either accidentally shot herself after finding the gun or was shot by a 2-year-old child.
Two adults were in the home at the time of the incident, along with three small children, Pace said. It appears at least two of the children were in an upstairs bedroom while the adults were downstairs when the shooting happened, Pace added.
"It was a tragic accident based on the information that we have thus far. It does not appear to be intentional in any way," Pace said.
Police said officers found the gun. Two adults are in custody — the owner of the gun and the owner of the home — and charges are pending based on further investigation and discussions with the district attorney, Pace said.
"Responsible gun ownership dictates that firearms should be secure and out of the reach of any small children, of course," Pace said.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker posted about the shooting on X.
"The accidental shooting death of a 7-year-old girl inside a home in Philadelphia today is a terrible tragedy," she said in part. The mayor went on to urge Philadelphians who have guns to "limit access to any firearms in the home by safely securing and storing them — and particularly when a child or children are present" and to get a free gun lock.
You can get a free gun lock online at Templesafetynet.org, Phillysheriff.com or by calling 215-686-3572.
"Your actions may save a life," she wrote.
