‘One of the worst tragedies’: Death of Cheatham County toddler spotlights concerning trend

CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) – A Cheatham County family is mourning the loss of a 3-year-old boy who investigators believe was accidentally shot in the head. It’s a tragedy that points to a disturbing trend between kids and guns.

“We experienced one of the worst tragedies that you and me could ever imagine,” Lt. Shannon Heflin with the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office explained.

On Monday, April 29, the sheriff’s office received the call no one wants to hear.

“Very tough on the family, very tough on the first responders that all responded,” said Heflin.

Cheatham County investigators haven’t said who pulled the trigger in the shooting at a home in Henrietta that claimed the toddler’s life. However, shootings by toddlers and pre-kindergartners have increased across the country.

From 2015-2022, data from #NotAnAccident Index | Everytown Research & Policy shows the number of shootings by children ages five and under increased by 33%.

“It just takes a few pounds of trigger pull to actually pull a trigger. It doesn’t take much, you know, some triggers are a little bit lighter than others and easier to pull than others,” Heflin explained.

It’s a tragedy that many say is preventable with proper gun storage.

Heflin said if there are children in your home, keep your firearms locked and unloaded; keep the ammo in a separate space.

“Educate them (on) the dangers of firearms and the risk that comes with that,” Heflin said

Data shows that in 2021, a record 148 children, ages five and under, unintentionally shot themselves or someone else.

Many departments, including the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office and all Metro Nashville Police Precincts, offer gun locks for free, with hopes proper gun storage will prevent accidental shooting calls.

“It is rare; it does happen though. Every year, I would say we probably have one or two, and unfortunately, this one ended very tragically and we are deeply saddened and our hearts go out to the family,” said Heflin.

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Sheriff Tim Binkley said their investigation is ongoing, but added one other person was at the home at the time of the shooting. At this time, the shooting appears to be accidental.

“Out of respect for the family and deceased child, the information and events surrounding this incident are limited. The family is asking for privacy during this time of mourning,” authorities said in a statement.

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