Young mother killed after accidentally shot by toddler playing with gun; father in custody

A household’s life was modified right away whereas sitting in a Meals-4-Much less parking zone.

Police stated a 3-year-old boy obtained maintain of a gun within the again seat of his father or mother’s automotive and commenced enjoying with the weapon. It discharged, hitting his mom, 22-year-old Dejah Bennet, within the neck.

She died a short while later.

“This might have been prevented,” stated Dolton trustee and disaster responder Andrew Holmes.

7 injured in taking pictures on South Facet, Chicago police say

Holmes stood exterior the grocery store Sunday, handing out 400 gun locks whereas chatting with consumers, households specifically, concerning the significance of gun security.

“It is essential. Should you do have weapons at dwelling, put them up — lock them up. If in case you have little kids, it would not matter, they get into any and all the pieces,” stated Dolton resident Crystal Lyons.

“All it takes is a second: unlock it, thread it by way of the barrel, convey it again round, put it in and lock it again,” Holmes added. “Should you go away it, safe it.”

The boy’s father, who was additionally current on the time of the taking pictures, is now in custody as police decide whether or not there are any expenses to be filed towards him.