What was supposed to be a milestone 16th birthday in southeast Memphis turned into a family’s worst nightmare when a gun fired by a four-year-old boy killed his mother, according to relatives. The shooting cut the celebration short and has now become the focus of an active police investigation.
Family members identified the victim as 33-year-old Ashley Kimmons, according to WREG. Kimmons’ mother, Carolyn Hamer, told the outlet she first learned of her daughter’s death through social media. Relatives said they have launched a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral expenses and support Kimmons’ children.
The shooting happened around 3 p.m. last Friday at a business on East Shelby Drive near Riverdale Road, as reported by Action News 5. Memphis police said the gun discharged accidentally and used the case to again urge residents to keep firearms locked, store guns unloaded, and keep ammunition separate. The department also noted that free gun locks are available at local police stations while supplies last.
Public-health researchers say the tragedy is part of a deeply troubling national pattern. Firearms have become a leading cause of death for children and teens in recent years, according to data from the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. The center’s annual analysis highlights rising gun deaths among young people and reinforces renewed calls for safer storage and more aggressive prevention efforts. Experts say basic precautions, such as using locks and safes and separating ammunition, can significantly cut the risk of accidental shootings.
Investigation and community response
Detectives are still working to determine how the child got hold of the weapon and whether anyone will face criminal charges, according to WREG. As the investigation continues, neighbors and relatives have been sharing memories of Kimmons and rallying around her children, trying to offer some measure of stability in the middle of sudden loss. Authorities have asked anyone with information about what happened to contact the Memphis police.
Memphis police repeated their safety reminders to keep guns locked and out of children’s reach and to store ammunition separately, as Action News 5 reported. Funeral arrangements for Kimmons have not yet been announced.
