A tragic incident occurred in western Michigan where a 5-year-old boy lost his life after he and a 6-year-old boy discovered a gun at their grandparents' home. The unfortunate shooting took place in Newaygo County's Garfield Township, just six weeks after a new Michigan law was implemented, mandating gun owners to secure their firearms when minors are present.
According to state police reports, the gun discharged while in the possession of the 6-year-old boy. The children found the firearm in a bedroom of their grandparents' residence. An investigation into the incident is currently ongoing, with authorities planning to share the findings with the county prosecutor.
Lieutenant Michelle Robinson expressed the family's profound grief over the heartbreaking loss. Violation of Michigan's gun storage law can lead to varying consequences for the gun owner, depending on the circumstances of the incident and whether any harm is caused.
Earlier this year, a man from Flint became the first individual to face charges under the new law after his 2-year-old daughter accessed a gun and accidentally injured herself. The legal proceedings in this case are still pending. It is worth noting that twenty-one states across the country have laws that allow for criminal charges against individuals who fail to prevent minors from accessing firearms, as reported by the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
