California Toddler Fatally Shoots 1-Year-Old Sibling in Head After Finding Unsecured Gun: Sheriff

A 3-year-old in California reportedly gained access to an unsecured gun inside their home and used it to fatally shoot their 1-year-old sibling, according to authorities.

Around 7:30 a.m. on July 17, deputies received a call regarding a shooting at a residence in Fallbrook, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said.

The caller reported a 3-year-old accidentally shot a 1-year-old, deputies said.

Once at the scene, police confirmed a 3-year-old got ahold of an unsecured handgun. The family’s 1-year-old, whose name was not released, had a head injury, officials said.

The child was transported to a local hospital. Despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced deceased around 8:30 a.m., authorities said.

Investigators are working to gather more information to determine the circumstances of the death.

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The Medical Examiner’s Office will be conducting an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death, officials said.

The investigation is ongoing.