Police said a 3-year-old boy got hold of a gun in the back seat of his parent’s car and began playing with the weapon when it discharged.
Highlights
- Police say a 3-year-old boy got hold of a gun in the back seat of his parent’s car and began playing with the weapon.
- It discharged, hitting his mother, Dejah Bennet, 22, in the neck.
- She died a short time later.
- The boy’s father, who was also present at the time of the shooting, is now in custody as police determine whether there are any charges to be filed against him.
- “This could have been prevented,” said Dolton trustee and crisis responder Andrew Holmes of Dolton, Illinois.
- “If you do have guns at home, put them up – lock them up,” said Holmes.