A tragic incident unfolded last night in Durham when a 4-year-old boy lost his life due to an accidental shooting. According to CBS 17, the Durham Police Department reported that the child found an unsecured firearm within the home on North Briggs Avenue and shot himself.
The police were called to the scene around 9 p.m., and upon arrival, they discovered the young victim with a gunshot wound. Efforts were swiftly made to quickly transport the boy to a local hospital, yet despite these attempts, he was pronounced dead shortly after. In a statement obtained by WRAL News, a witness named Rhonda Rappoccio recounted the harrowing moments she witnessed, stepping outside to a scene of chaos, to hold the victim's sister while the mother, surrounded by people, awaited the arrival of EMS.
As the neighborhood grapples with this devastating occurrence, the details are still emerging and the investigation by the Durham police continues. The weapon involved has been described as unsecured, a detail which underlines the gravity of firearm safety and the consequences of neglect. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward, as stated in news released by authorities and reported by ABC11.
Individuals with information have been instructed to contact Investigator D. Johnson at a provided phone number. Additionally, tips can be submitted anonymously through the CrimeStoppers online platform.
