Child dies after accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound in Georgia store parking lot: reports
A Georgia family is grieving after their 2-year-old son accidentally shot himself in a Walmart parking lot, according to police and local media.
The shooting happened Wednesday in Douglas, about 130 miles southwest of Savannah, according to the Douglas Police Department. The boy died three days later on Saturday at a trauma center in Jacksonville, Florida
Television station WALB, citing a GoFundMe, identified the boy as 2-year-old Nakyzi Odums.
According to WALB, the boy was left in a car in a Walmart parking lot while his parents were a few feet away shopping at a fireworks stand. His parents heard a popping sound and went over to the car, where the boy had shot himself in the face.
Some witnesses told the outlet the toddler was in the front seat of the car and the gun may have been on the side of the car door.
Douglas Police Chief Brannen Pruette told WALB investigators were still trying to figure out how the boy got the gun.
“I mean, you’re allowed to have a gun in the car, but you know when there’s a child involved, you need to make sure that the gun is secured so that the child doesn’t have access to it,” Pruette told the TV station.
It is not clear whether the boy’s parents will face charges in connection to the shooting.
“Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” the police department wrote in a Saturday news release.
Community prayed for boy to pull through
The boy’s grandmother shared updates on Facebook after the shooting and asked for prayers.
“He is being treated by the amazing staff in the Pediatric ICU at Nemours Jacksonville,” she wrote. “We are asking for everyone to unite in prayer for healing for this sweet boy. He has already defied the odds and continues to fight.”
She also shared a GoFundMe link, adding that her grandson loved Mickey Mouse, dinosaurs and his family.
The money will help with his burial, according to the fundraiser listing.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Follow her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or email her at[email protected].