A 4-year-old minor found a gun and accidentally killed his 2-year-old cousin in Florida
A 2-year-old boy died after being shot by his cousin, who found a gun that had been left unsecured inside a vehicle in Kissimmee
A 2-year-old boy died after his 4-year-old cousin found an unsecured gun inside a vehicle and accidentally fired it, authorities in Osceola County, Florida, reported.
The incident occurred Sunday afternoon in front of a rental home where a family was staying during their vacation in Kissimmee, ABC News reported.
When officers arrived at the scene they found the minor, identified as Brayden Tennyson, with a gunshot wound. The child was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
According to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, Brayden would have turned 3 years old on Tuesday.
The two children were alone in the vehicle.
According to the preliminary investigation, the two minors remained alone inside the car while other family members were outside the vehicle and had not yet entered the home.
That's when the 4-year-old boy found the firearm belonging to Brayden's mother and fired it, hitting his cousin.
Family members heard the gunshot from outside and immediately went to the vehicle.
Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon claimed the gun had been left completely exposed inside the car.
“It was literally in plain sight,” he said during a news conference.
The official noted that even if the gun had remained in a holster, it would have been more difficult for a child to handle.
"It's easy to take it and pull the trigger. And that can't be undone; it's not a video game," he said.
The family was on vacation in Florida
Authorities reported that the family had traveled from Louisville, Georgia, to spend a few days on vacation in Florida and was staying in a rental home.
The tragedy occurred shortly before everyone entered the property.
Investigation continues and charges could be filed
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office remains open for investigation to determine the circumstances of the case.
The sheriff indicated that charges related to the handling of the firearm are likely to be filed.
For its part, the Prosecutor's Office reported on Wednesday that it will not disclose more details while the investigation remains active.