Introduction to the Incident
A woman has been charged after her 5-year-old brother found a gun that may have belonged to her and fatally shot himself with it, police said.
Danya Bell, 29, faces a charge of child endangerment causing death, police said. She was arrested Sunday, about three hours after the shooting.
Details of the Shooting
The 5-year-old boy fatally shot himself in his head about 1:15 p.m., after finding a gun in his sister’s purse while she was showering inside an apartment in the 4400 block of South Greenwood Avenue in Kenwood, Chicago police said.
Bell, the boy’s 29-year-old sister, is a concealed carry holder with a firearm owner’s identification card. She had her gun in a black zippered purse on a bed and was showering when she heard a loud noise coming from one of the bedrooms in the apartment, according to a police report.
Aftermath and Investigation
The child was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition, police said. He was pronounced dead at 5:06 p.m. Sunday, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Bell is due in court Wednesday.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of gun safety and responsible storage, especially in households with children. The tragic loss of a young life serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur when firearms are not handled and stored properly. It is crucial for gun owners to take all necessary precautions to prevent such accidents, including securing their weapons in a safe and inaccessible location.
FAQs
What happened in the incident?
A 5-year-old boy found a gun in his sister’s purse and fatally shot himself while she was showering.
Who has been charged in connection with the incident?
Danya Bell, the 29-year-old sister of the victim, has been charged with child endangerment causing death.
What was the cause of death?
The 5-year-old boy died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
When is Danya Bell due in court?
Danya Bell is due in court on Wednesday.
