Toddler Finds Gun At Georgia Home And Shoots Dad, 25, Dead

A toddler has shot his dad dead after finding his handgun at their home in Georgia.

The police in the city of Savannah in the US state of Georgia said in a statement on 14th December that the shooting earlier this month was the result of “an accidental shooting by a young child”, according to a preliminary investigation.

The incident took place at a property on E. 64th Street at around 5.30pm on 5th December.

Dustin Walters, 25, was accidentally shot and killed by his one-year-old son, pictured with child’s mother Tori inside his home in Savannah, Georgia, USA, on 5th December. You might want to consider blurring the image of the toddler. (@tori.pippin.7/Newsflash)

The police said: “Savannah Police detectives have preliminarily determined that a Dec. 5 shooting on E. 64th Street was the result of an accidental shooting by a young child.

“Officers responded to the 100 block of E. 64th Street around 5:30 p.m. for a shooting and discovered Dustin Walters, 25, with a gunshot wound. He was transported to Memorial Medical Center, where he died as a result of his injuries.

“The preliminary investigation determined that Walters was wounded when a toddler, who was just under 2 years of age, found and fired the handgun, striking Walters.”

Dustin Walters, 25, was accidentally shot and killed by his one-year-old son, pictured together, inside his home in Savannah, Georgia, USA, on 5th December. You might want to consider blurring the image of the toddler. (@tori.pippin.7/Newsflash)

Police chief Roy Minter said: “We grieve along with the Walters family… As a parent, I cannot imagine what this family is going through or will continue to go through in the coming years.

“What we want to make sure now is that parents are aware that although rare, these incidents can happen with tragic results.

“Please take this seriously and take the steps to ensure that you and your family members are safe.”

Dustin Walters, 25, pictured with child’s mother Tori, was accidentally shot and killed by his one-year-old son, inside his home in Savannah, Georgia, USA, on 5th December. (@tori.pippin.7/Newsflash)

The police did not confirm Walters’ relationship with the child, but he and his wife Tori have a one-year-old son called Mars Cameron Walters.

The Savannah Police Department is asking the public to “please take a moment to think about the firearms in their homes and in any homes that their children frequent”.

The police advised citizens to “make sure those firearms are secured and not accessible by children. If your children frequent a home where there are firearms, have a conversation with those people to make sure that firearms are secured and not accessible”.

Dustin Walters, 25, pictured with child’s mother Tori, was accidentally shot and killed by his one-year-old son, inside his home in Savannah, Georgia, USA, on 5th December. (@tori.pippin.7/Newsflash)

The Savannah Police Department said: “If your child is old enough, have a conversation about the dangers of firearms and advise the child to never touch a firearm. Also, tell the child to notify an adult know if they find a gun.

“However, experts advise that adults should acknowledge that children are curious and they should not rely on these conversations alone to be a deterrent.

“The Savannah Police Department has gun locks that are free to the public and can be picked up from headquarters or any precinct location.”

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