A Miami Gardens family is grappling with tragedy today as a 13-year-old boy has lost his life after a gunshot wound to the head. The incident took place inside a home near NW 207th Street and 38th Avenue on Saturday evening, around 7:40 p.m., NBC Miami reports.
During a night meant for games and laughter, a firearm, in a room filled with children playing video games, was discharged. The boy was critically injured in the back of his head. According to WSVN, despite being airlifted to Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital and receiving immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries later that night around 10:50 p.m.
Miami Gardens Police are now trying to put together the pieces of how such a devastating event could unfold in what should have been a safe space for play. Witnesses told police that several children were in the room at the time of the incident, though it remains unclear how they got hold of the gun. At least one adult was inside the home when the gun went off, but their exact location at the time remains uncertain. Several people have been detained for questioning, as detectives work through the details of the case.
"A lot of people have firearms these days, and it up to us to keep them locked up and keep them out of the reach of kids," Sgt. Emmanuel Jeanty, with the grim reminder, told WSVN. In the aftermath of this tragedy, the police sergeant stressed the critical importance of firearm safety, especially around children.
The investigation is still in its early stages. Authorities have not released the name of the victim or details regarding potential charges as they continue to unravel the circumstances that led to the boy's death.
