A two-year-old child accidentally shot and killed his mother, Jessinya Mina, 22, inside their Northern California apartment in US, according to Fresno Police. Mina’s boyfriend and the child’s father, 18-year-old Andrew Sanchez, was arrested and charged with criminal storage of a firearm and child endangerment after the incident.
According to police, the toddler found Sanchez’s unsecured 9mm handgun in the couple’s bedroom and fired a single shot, striking Mina while the couple was resting on the bed. Sanchez was attempting to drive Mina to the hospital when police arrived at the Butterfly Grove Apartment complex around 5:40 pm local time on Friday, according to a New York Post report. First responders provided aid and transported Mina to Community Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Police lieutenant Paul Cervantes said the incident was preventable, stressing the importance of safe gun storage. “This is very tragic and a very much preventable and avoidable incident. He left that firearm in an area that was accessible to a 2½-year-old toddler at that location,” he said, as quoted by the New York Post.
“The Fresno Police Department is deeply saddened by this type of tragedy that’s devastating and definitely serves as a stark reminder of the significance and importance of properly storing your weapon to prevent children from accessing it,” Paul added.
The handgun lacked an external safety, according to police. Sanchez, who has no prior criminal record, posted bail after being booked into the Fresno County Jail.
Mina’s sister, Jessica Rodriguez, said Mina had asked Sanchez to remove the gun from the apartment. “She was beautiful and funny and could put a smile on anyone’s face. Anyone who knew her was truly blessed by her presence. Now, because of her boyfriend’s carelessness, his arrogance, his irresponsibility, and neglect of my sister’s wishes to never have a gun in her house, she’s gone forever,” Rodriguez said in a statement, as quoted by the New York Post.
“My niece and nephew will have to live off of memories and stories of my sister rather than her presence. We will never be able to witness my sister carry out her lifelong goals and accomplishments due to his negligence. My sister didn’t deserve this,” she added.
Rodriguez has organized a GoFundMe campaign to support the family. The police investigation is ongoing.
