[Sportschosun Reporter Jang Jong-ho] A tragic accident in Brazil left a 6-year-old girl dead after she was hit by a gun fired accidentally by her 12-year-old brother.
According to foreign media outlets, including The Sun, a 12-year-old boy living in Pavoa, in the State of Paraná, Brazil, picked up a loaded shotgun that had been left in his parents' room on the 4th local time. The gun then went off accidentally, and his younger sister, 6, was struck in the head and died at the scene.
The children's parents told police that they heard the gunshot and ran into the room, where they found their daughter lying on the floor.
In the initial investigation, the mother claimed the shotgun had been stored on top of a wardrobe. However, during a later inquiry, the 12-year-old son reportedly said the firearm had been placed on the bed.
Police believe the boy accidentally pulled the trigger while handling the loaded shotgun.
Investigators also found additional illegal firearms during the search. They seized another gun, gunpowder, and 16 spent shotgun shells from inside the house, and said another shotgun was later found in bushes outside the home.
Authorities believe the weapons were not stored safely and were easily accessible to the children. They are also investigating whether the mother bears responsibility for failing to prevent the children from reaching the firearms despite knowing they were kept in the house.
Police are leaning toward the view that the shooting was accidental, but they are continuing a broader investigation into illegal firearm possession and possible child neglect. The mother is currently in custody and being questioned, while the stepfather is reportedly wanted by police.
Jang Jong-ho, Sportschosun
