Illinois mother killed by her 3-year-old son playing with gun in grocery store parking lot

A household’s life was modified immediately whereas sitting in a grocery retailer parking zone. Police mentioned a 3-year-old boy acquired his fingers on a gun within the again seat of his mother and father’ automotive and started 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,” mentioned Dolton trustee and disaster responder Andrew Holmes.

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Holmes stood exterior the grocery store Sunday, handing out 400 gun locks whereas talking to consumers, households particularly, in regards to the significance of gun security.

“It is essential. If you happen to do have weapons at dwelling, put them up — lock them up. You probably have little kids, it would not matter, they get into any and all the things,” mentioned Dolton resident Crystal Lyons.

“All it takes is a second: unlock it, thread it by way of the barrel, deliver it again round, put it in and lock it again,” Holmes added. “If you happen to 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 in opposition to him.

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