Indiana Toddler Dies from Self Inflicted Gunshot Wound

[Keith B]

http://www.14wfie.com/global/story.asp?s=10218828" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Posted by Jill Lyman

CRAWFORD CO, IN (WFIE) - Law enforcement agencies in Crawford County are investigating the death of a 2-year-old girl.

Deputies were called to a home on Speed Road in Milltown about 7:00 p.m. Monday. That's where they found the child, Alexis B. Camp, dead of an apparent gunshot wound.

The autopsy was conducted Tuesday morning in Louisville. The Crawford County Deputy Coroner, Jerry Brown has just released that the cause of death was an accidental self inflicted gun shot wound to the head.

According to the investigators, the semi-automatic handgun was left in a location that Alexis was able to access the weapon and unfortunately pull the trigger.

Investigators will forward the case to the Crawford County Prosecutor for her review.

Totaly a tragedy.

When will these irresponsible gun owners learn to keep loaded firearms away from little ones that aren't old enough to be taught better.

[CrimsonSoul]

It's a sad situation indeed when spending 60 bucks on a safe, or less than that on a fire safe could have prevented that

[pedalman]

Even though my daughters (22 and 12) understand gun safety and go shooting with me, I still always lock up my firearms. It's just a good habit to keep, like using your seatbelt.

[Pinkycatcher]

It's a sad situation indeed when spending 60 bucks on a safe, or less than that on a fire safe could have prevented that

Or put it on a shelf that's taller than a 2 year old with nothing to climb up to.

[skip]

Extremely sad..

[TxDrifter]

It's a sad situation indeed when spending 60 bucks on a safe, or less than that on a fire safe could have prevented that

Or put it on a shelf that's taller than a 2 year old with nothing to climb up to.

Exactly. It can be prevented even without a $60 safe. Mine are in drawers, locked in cases, or closed away on a high shelf in the closet unloaded. The loaded ones are either on my person or the night stand drawer when in bed.

[Mithras61]

No one else has asked this yet, so here goes...

Where was the parent/guardian/babysitter? How can you let a 2yo run around unsupervised to the point that they can get their hands on a firearm, much less shoot themself with it?

They left a 2yo child unsupervised. That is, IMHO, as much of an offense as leaving the firearm within the child's reach.

[bryang]

No one else has asked this yet, so here goes...

Where was the parent/guardian/babysitter? How can you let a 2yo run around unsupervised to the point that they can get their hands on a firearm, much less shoot themself with it?

They left a 2yo child unsupervised. That is, IMHO, as much of an offense as leaving the firearm within the child's reach.

I agree, in fact as I was reading the post this is what I was thinking...where was her parents! And what idiot would leave a loaded pistol where a 2 yr old would pick it up. This senseless treadgy should not have happen...these reports make me sick!

-geo

[CDH]

There are so many ways this could be prevented...but high shelves are NOT the one guys!

My toddler was caught standing (yes STANDING) on the keyboard of our piano before she could walk! She could pull up and climb well enough. Once they can walk and carry a stool or push a chair, there is no shelf in the house high enough to keep a gun out of their hands...my kids are living proof!

Keep it in your pocket or keep it safe (locked, unloaded, disassembled, whatever) at home with kids around.

Every parent has to judge for themselves when kids are old enough to be taught gun safety...but 2 years old obviously isn't old enough.

[74novaman]

There are so many ways this could be prevented...but high shelves are NOT the one guys!

Agreed. Assuming kids can't get into somewhere is NOT a good safety policy.

[ClarkLZeuss]

Keep it in your pocket or keep it safe (locked, unloaded, disassembled, whatever) at home with kids around.

This is the same rule I decided to establish for myself, that my gun will only be in one of two places when I'm home: 1) My hip, or 2) My safe. This really comes into play when I come home from work and routinely "unpack" myself in the kitchen (backpack, keys, wallet, phone, shoes, etc.) and I'm tempted to add "gun" to that list. You know, just lay it on the counter and come back for it later. But never! I refuse to put it down for even one second, because the next thing you know, the phone will ring, or the doorbell will ring, or I'll have to use the bathroom, or my favorite TV show is about to start, and so on, and then my unattended gun will just be this huge, shiny interesting thing for my toddler to check out. Never!

The last thing I want is for the tools I use to be my family's safety to be their downfall.

[bryang]

ClarkLZeuss , these are some very wise words that all of us with kids, or grand kids, in our families should always keep in mind. It is so easy to get distracted away from what we are doing and totally forget. This is why we must have a strict routine burned into our minds and carry it out. This is the way a lot of these things happen, totally unintentional....but the result is still the same.

-geo

[Eddie2612]

This type of story keeps me on my toes.. I lock all my guns in the safe - I've been thinking about a way to keep one closer to my bed, but I don't want to have it unsecured.. I have 2 boys under 6 yrs old .. hopefully in the next couple years I can begin teaching them about gun safety (but still be on high alert)

[bryang]

Hi, Eddie, they make several types of gun safes that you can keep by your bed with easy access when needed. Check out this thread on Links For Gun Safes you should get some ideas from that.

Stay safe,
-geo