In a tragic incident in the Fallbrook area of Southern California on Monday, a 3-year-old child accidentally shot and killed their 1-year-old sister after finding an unsecured handgun in the home, according to authorities.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department received a call about the shooting on the 1100 block of S. Stagecoach Lane around 7:30 a.m., Lt. Joseph Jarjura reported in a news release. Upon arrival, law enforcement found the 1-year-old with a head injury.
Despite immediate transportation to a hospital and lifesaving efforts, the infant tragically succumbed to her injuries. “The Sheriff’s Department extends our sympathies to the family and those affected by this death. Sheriff’s Homicide investigators are working to gather more information to determine the circumstances of the death,” Jarjura said.
The investigation is ongoing, with no outstanding suspects and no perceived threat to the community, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office (SDSO).
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of the 1-year-old’s death. Her name is not being released at this time.
This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of securing firearms in homes, especially those with young children, and highlights the potentially devastating consequences of failing to do so.