3-year-old shot and killed, after child gets ahold of gun

YPSILANTI, Mich. (WJBK) - An Ypsilanti family is in mourning after a 3-year-old boy was killed accidentally by another young child, who got his hands on a gun inside an apartment.

The call came in Sunday afternoon shortly before 1:30. Investigators say the boy's mother called 911 after her 3-year-old son had been shot in the neck, resulting in the child losing his life.

Investigators say another young child found a gun and started playing with it before the firearm went off. Police will not say the age of the other child, or the relationship, but one neighbor believes the two were brothers.

"They were always out playing in the field all the time," said neighbor DeAngelo Williams.

Police say other children were inside the apartment when the tragic accident happened at Country Meadows in Ypsilanti Township. As you can imagine, the family is very emotional and heartbroken. None of them wished to speak with us.

"I just feel sad for the parents right now," said Williams. "That they weren't able to watch the kids extra safely. That they wouldn't be able to get ahold of that gun like that."

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation. Right now they say it's too early to know if anyone will face charges, including any adults who may not have had the gun locked properly.

"Once the information is gathered," said a Washtenaw County Sheriff's officer, "we'll present the information to the prosecutor's office and let them make that decision."

If it turns out someone did not lock the gun properly, a 3-year-old boy killed is the worst reminder that adults have to be more responsible when a firearm is in a home.

"It's very important if you have any type of firearm and with children, it's best to lock them up," said Williams.

At this time, police are not releasing the name of the victim.