DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A three-year-old boy is dead after shooting himself in the face with an unsecured firearm Saturday, according to DeKalb County Police.
Officers said that Antoine Jordan, who owned the gun, has been arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder, along with Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree.
At this time, police say Jordan is in the DeKalb County Jail.
The name of the child and his relation to Jordan has yet to be revealed by officers.
For more on unsecured firearm deaths
Gun violence has had a significant impact in Georgia. A recent CDC-released study highlighted the high percentage of unintentional firearm deaths among children and teens spanning from 2003 to 2021.
The data shows that most of those deaths involved an unsecured gun.
The CDC study shows that 76% of unintentional firearm deaths among children and teenagers in the United States involved a gun that was stored and unlocked.
Ninety-one percent of those unlocked firearms were loaded.
Sixty-seven percent of those deaths happened when the shooter was playing with the firearm or showing it to others.
Adults are advised to remember the acronym "SMART" to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
- Secure guns in homes and vehicles at all times
- Model responsible behavior around guns
- Ask others about the presence of guns before allowing a child to visit a home
- Recognize guns' roles in suicides
- Tell others about being "SMART"
This is a developing story. Check back often for new information.
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