It’s no secret that gun violence is an epidemic in the U.S. Although it’s a small percentage, accidental shootings involving kids are part of the issue. And recently, a 7-year-old accidentally shot and killed his brother, 2, with a gun he found in a glove box.
Firearms are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 17 in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Of course, that takes into account more than just accidental shootings. But hundreds of kids die each year from unintentional shootings, whether it’s self-inflicted or at the hands of a sibling or friend.
More from CafeMom: Toddler Dies in Accidental Shooting While His Mom Was in Another Room Playing Uno
In early December 2024, the 7-year-old boy shot and killed his toddler brother with a gun in a truck.
On December 2, the unnamed boy accidentally shot his younger brother, according to a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The incident happened just before 4 p.m. in the parking lot of a shopping center in Rancho Cucamonga, California. The siblings were reportedly in a parked truck at the time.
The boy allegedly found a firearm in the glove box.
“Through investigation, deputies learned the victim and his 7-year-old brother were inside a truck when the 7-year-old found a firearm in the glove box, resulting in the fatal shooting,” the news release details.
Although first responders transported the toddler to a nearby hospital, he died from his injuries, USA Today reported.
As of writing, it's unclear who was responsible for watching the brothers.
It’s unclear who the gun belonged to or who was responsible for the children, USA Today reported.
“The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division responded and assumed the investigation,” the sheriff’s department’s news release stated. “A report will be sent to the District Attorney’s Office for review.”
More from CafeMom: ‘Our Hearts are Shattered’ — 5-Year-Old Boy Shoots & Kills Himself Inside Family Home
A 3-year-old boy died in Louisiana from an accidental gunshot wound that same week.
Around the same time the 2-year-old died in California after his brother accidentally shot him, a 3-year-old died in Louisiana from an unintentional gunshot wound, KHOU reported. Rudy Ratliff was visiting a family friend’s house in New Orleans and playing UNO in another room when a gun accidentally discharged.
For now, the gun owner faces a negligent homicide charge.
Although New Orleans police said the 3-year-old found a gun and accidentally shot himself in the home of Tatisha Refuge, his mother, Leshawn Ratliff, disagrees.
“My son didn’t find a gun. Um, he had no idea a gun was in the house,” Leshawn told KHOU. “[Refuge] told my mother that the gun fell off her hip and um, and shot my son,” Leshawn said.
Refuge turned herself in to New Orleans police and faces a negligent homicide charge. More charges could still be filed.
“My son is dead. He’s not coming back and somebody needs to be held accountable,” Leshawn said.