Toddler Accidentally Shoots Sleeping Man in Georgia
In a quiet cul-de-sac in Hiram, Georgia, a 19-year-old man was shot and killed early Monday morning when a 3-year-old child accidentally accessed a firearm. The bullet struck him in the back of the head while he slept, according to police reports.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after 7 a.m. to find Kabrel Patterson unresponsive. Despite immediate attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene by officials from the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred while family members were still asleep in the home where Patterson had spent the night. Investigators confirmed that Patterson and the toddler were not related, raising questions about firearm safety in households with children.
Authorities revealed that Patterson had brought the gun into the home, which the child likely discovered during the early hours. “Don’t leave your guns lying around—especially if you have small children,” cautioned PCSO spokesperson Jordan Yuodis. “Anyone who’s ever had small children knows they’re curious. They’re going to pick up things. They’re going to try things.”
Neighbors expressed their shock and sorrow over the incident, gathering to support the grieving family with hugs and refreshments as police secured the area. “Prayers for the family. The older kids look out for the younger kids,” one neighbor commented, reflecting the community's concern.
Another neighbor described the family as “basically such a good family,” emphasizing the empathy shared among residents during this tragic time.
No criminal charges will be filed against any residents of the home, as it was determined that Patterson’s firearm was left unsecured. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding gun safety, particularly in states like Georgia, which ranks among those with some of the weakest gun laws in the nation, according to Everytown for Gun Safety.
Even in states with stricter regulations, keeping firearms away from children remains a significant challenge. Recent incidents across the country illustrate this ongoing issue. In New York City, a teenager was fatally shot during a water gun fight, while a mother in California was killed by her 2-year-old after the child accessed an unsecured weapon. Additionally, a 3-year-old girl in Philadelphia suffered fatal injuries after accidentally discharging her father’s gun.
