Heartbreaking: 2-Year-Old Shoots Mom Dead While Playing With Loaded Gun
A tragic and preventable incident unfolded in a Northern California apartment on Friday evening when a 22-year-old mother was fatally shot by her 2-year-old son, who found an unsecured loaded gun.
Jessinya Mina was relaxing in bed at the Butterfly Grove Apartment complex when her toddler discovered a loaded 9mm handgun left out by her boyfriend, 18-year-old Andrew Sanchez. The child accidentally fired the weapon, striking Mina in the upper body, according to the Fresno Police Department.
Mina, who was also the mother of an 8-month-old daughter, was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Police Call Incident “Preventable”
Lt. Paul Cervantes of the Fresno Police described the tragedy as entirely preventable.
“This is a very tragic and avoidable incident,” Cervantes said during a Monday press conference. “The firearm was left in a location accessible to a toddler, which is a glaring reminder of the importance of proper gun storage.”
The weapon, a 9mm handgun with no external safety, was recovered at the scene.
Boyfriend Arrested on Felony Charges
The New York Post reports that Sanchez was immediately taken into custody and charged with criminal storage of a firearm and child endangerment, both felony offenses. Authorities revealed that Sanchez has no prior criminal record and had posted bail following his arrest.
The police report indicated that Sanchez had been attempting to drive Mina to the hospital when officers arrived at the apartment.
Family Devastated by Negligence
Mina’s family is mourning the loss of what they call a bright, caring young woman who loved her children deeply.
Jessica Rodriguez, Mina’s older sister, described her sibling as someone who could light up any room with her smile.
“She was beautiful and funny and could put a smile on anyone’s face. Now, because of her boyfriend’s carelessness, she’s gone forever,” Rodriguez said in a statement to local media.
Rodriguez also revealed that Mina had repeatedly asked Sanchez to remove the gun from their home, but her requests were ignored.
“My niece and nephew will have to grow up without their mother because of his arrogance and negligence,” Rodriguez said.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Rodriguez to support Mina’s two young children.
Investigation Ongoing
The Fresno Police Department is continuing its investigation into the incident, with Lt. Cervantes reiterating the importance of safe firearm storage, particularly in households with children.
“As tragic as this is, it’s a stark reminder for gun owners to store their weapons securely and ensure they’re inaccessible to children,” he said.
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The post “Preventable Tragedy”: Mom of Two Shot Dead By 2-Year-Old In Heartbreaking Incident appeared first on iHarare News.
