HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (TCD) — A 4-year-old girl was fatally shot over the weekend after she and her 3-year-old sister were allegedly left unsupervised and found a loaded gun.
On Sunday, March 12, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said five adults and two toddlers were inside an apartment on Bammel North Houston Road “just hanging out.” One parent reportedly believed the other parent was supervising the 3-year-old and 4-year-old girls, but the children ended up alone inside a bedroom.
According to Gonzalez, the 3-year-old allegedly found a loaded semi-automatic pistol and pulled the trigger. The adults reportedly ran into the bedroom after hearing the gunshot and found the 4-year-old on the floor unresponsive. The parents reportedly picked up the gun, secured it, and called 911 for help.
Harris County deputies arrived at the apartment, and the 4-year-old was declared deceased.
Gonzalez said the 3-year-old, who allegedly shot her sister, did it unintentionally.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office will work with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office regarding potential charges.
Gonzalez called the shooting “preventable” and urged gun owners to secure their firearms safely.
“We see far too many tragic situations like this,” he said.
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