DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – A tragic incident in DeKalb County, Georgia has resulted in the death of a three-year-old boy who accidentally shot himself in the face with an unsecured firearm. The owner of the gun, Antoine Jordan, has been arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder and Cruelty to Children in the Second Degree.
As of now, Jordan is in custody at the DeKalb County Jail. The identity of the child and his relationship to Jordan has not been disclosed by authorities.
This unfortunate event sheds light on the impact of gun violence, especially among children and teenagers. A recent study released by the CDC revealed a high percentage of unintentional firearm deaths among this demographic from 2003 to 2021. The data highlighted that the majority of these deaths involved unsecured guns, with 76% of them being stored unlocked and 91% of those being loaded.
Furthermore, the study indicated that 67% of these deaths occurred while the shooter was either playing with the firearm or showing it to others. To prevent such tragedies, adults are advised to practice the “SMART” approach: Secure guns in homes and vehicles, Model responsible behavior around guns, Ask about the presence of guns before allowing a child to visit a home, Recognize guns’ roles in suicides, and Tell others about being “SMART.”
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of gun safety, especially in households with children. The consequences of leaving firearms unsecured can be devastating, and it is crucial for adults to take proactive measures to prevent such accidents from occurring.
The investigation into this tragic event is still ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available. For the latest developments on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia, readers are encouraged to download the 11Alive News mobile app and sign up to receive alerts.