Gwinnett County

No charges after child accidentally kills self with gun

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Police are trying to figure out how two boys got a gun in a home. One accidentally killed himself.

Investigators told Channel 2’s Steve Gehlbach they do not expect to charge the victim's mother.

They say this appears to be an accident.

Gwinnett County police collected evidence and documented the scene inside the home on Appaloosa Trail Friday night. %

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Family members, friends and neighbors comforted each other outside on the street after the death of a 12-year-old boy.

Police say just before 6 p.m.,

"The mother of the child was inside the home when the shots were fired," said Cpl. Deon Washington, with the Gwinnett County Police Department.

The boy's father was not at home at the time. %

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Police say the 9-year-old and another young child in the home were not hurt, but the 12-year-old was already dead by the time officers arrived.

Detectives interviewed everyone who was in the house at the time of the shooting. They are working to find out if the gun was locked up and how the kids got their hands on it.

"It's our understanding that the gun is generally stored in a safe place and at some point the child gained access to it," Washington said.

Police said the gun belongs to the parents.

Investigators told Gehlbach they want this incident to teach all kids about firearm safety and the dangers of what can happen.

"I can't stress enough that people who own guns to ensure you keep your guns in a place that your children cannot access them and really, really drive home the importance of not touching or playing with guns," Washington said.

As of now, police do not expect any charges against the parents.