South Louisiana Toddler Dead In Accidental Shooting

There are tragedies. Then there are tragedies that could have and should have been prevented. When a preventable tragedy involves a child it's very difficult for all of us to imagine. This is one of those stories. It is also a very sobering reminder for all gun owners to remember basic gun safety and practice extreme caution when the household contains both children and firearms.

Authorities in Calcasieu Parish say that a 3 year old child is dead after accidentally shooting herself with one of her father's guns. According to the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's department the father of the child was cleaning firearms in the family home. He was called into work and had to leave the home in a hurry. He reportedly phoned the mother of the children and asked her to put the guns away. That call came too late.

Sheriff Tony Mancuso told  the Louisiana Radio Network,

"She's got three kids, a 3 year old, a two year old and a one year old. And you can just imagine what happens when they come in. And it's horrible but the child grabbed the gun and killed herself."

When authorities arrived they discovered the child with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gun shot wound. The child was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. The District Attorney said the case would likely be turned over to a grand jury.