Davenport, Florida — A 4-year-old boy, recognized as Chosen Morris, has tragically died after by accident taking pictures himself within the head with a handgun he present in his mother and father’ automotive, in accordance with the Davenport Police Division.
The incident unfolded Friday night whereas the Morris household was making ready for an evening out. Authorities say Chosen’s father, Robert Morris, was within the lavatory preparing, and his mom, Quinta Morris, was in her bed room on the pc. It was at the moment that Chosen, seemingly excited for the household outing, entered the automotive and located a Smith & Wesson M&P .40 caliber handgun hidden beneath the motive force’s seat.
Quinta Morris later informed police that she heard a “pop” and initially thought her youngsters had damaged one thing. Upon investigating, she discovered her two older youngsters, aged 7 and 11, in the lounge however couldn’t find Chosen. Involved, she started looking the home and seen the door to the storage was open. It was within the storage, within the driver’s seat of the automotive, the place she discovered her son, critically injured by a gunshot wound to the pinnacle.
The household rushed Chosen to the hospital, however regardless of their efforts, he succumbed to his accidents on Saturday afternoon.
Davenport Police Chief Steve Parker described the incident as a “tragic accident” and expressed deep sympathy for the Morris household. “As a father and grandfather, I can’t think about what Mr. and Mrs. Morris are going by means of proper now. Our prayers are actually with the Morris household as they endure this heartbreaking tragedy,” Parker mentioned in a press release.
Authorities have emphasised the significance of gun security, significantly in households with younger youngsters. Chief Parker urged gun house owners to all the time safe their firearms, both with a set off lock or by storing them in a locked cupboard or field when not in use. “It’s essential that gun house owners know the place their firearms are always,” Parker informed ABC Information.
This incident is one other in a disturbing development of unintentional shootings involving youngsters within the U.S. Based on Everytown for Gun Security, there have been not less than 411 unintentional shootings by youngsters in 2023, marking the worst yr on file because the group started monitoring such incidents in 2015. This yr alone, not less than 21 youngsters have unintentionally discharged firearms, resulting in 11 fatalities.
The Morris household’s devastating loss has renewed requires larger vigilance in gun security, particularly concerning how firearms are saved in properties with younger youngsters.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities proceed to assemble particulars surrounding the incident.
