A tragic accident has claimed the life of a 2-year-old boy on Chicago's Far South Side after he suffered a gunshot wound to the face Tuesday night. Identified as Jamal Robinson, the toddler was at his home on the 11800 block of South LaSalle Street when the incident occurred shortly before 8:20 p.m., according to ABC7 Chicago.
The boy was discovered by a 32-year-old woman, who reported hearing a loud noise and then finding Jamal with a critical injury. The woman was taken in for questioning by Chicago police and a firearm was recovered at the scene. No immediate information was disclosed regarding the ownership or the storage conditions of the gun. Police have subsequently indicated their belief that the shooting was an accident. After being rushed to Comer Children's Hospital, Jamal was pronounced dead just before 9:45 p.m., the Chicago Tribune reports.
Pastor Donavan Price, reflecting on the incident, noted the grim reality of children encountering firearms, saying, "It's so sad when the gun and the child come together," in a statement obtained by ABC7 Chicago. He urged for prayers for the child, the family, and the city. Community activist Andrew Holmes emphasized the need for clarification and prevention, stating, "The important part about this is to find out where this weapon come from, why this weapon wasn't secure and whether or not this young man accidentally shot himself or someone had this gun in their hand and it discharged out of their hand."
Detectives from Area Two are leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the shooting, while it has not been established whether charges will be filed in connection with the young boy's death.
