Boy, 4, fatally shoots 2-year-old after finding gun in car on family vacation, sheriff says

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (WKMG) - Authorities in Florida say a 4-year-old boy on a family vacation found an unsecured gun in a car and fatally shot his 2-year-old relative.

Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon says a family traveling from Georgia for a Disney vacation had just gotten to their Airbnb late Sunday afternoon in Kissimmee, Florida, when a gunshot rang out.

A 4-year-old boy had apparently gone into a car where his 2-year-old relative was waiting. Inside, Blackmon says the boy found an unsecured, unholstered handgun and discharged it, striking and killing the toddler.

“Once you pull that trigger, that projectile is going somewhere, and this one hit a 2-year-old and killed it,” Blackmon said.

Deputies responded to the scene just before 4 p.m. Sunday. Emergency personnel provided lifesaving measures to the toddler before he was taken to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

During a Monday news conference, Blackmon stressed the significance of gun safety and gun storage, holding up a gun lock and urging people at home to listen.

“This is so simple to put on, and it would stop that problem from happening,” he said. “If it can save one life, it’s worth that investment to us.”

Deputies plan to speak to the 4-year-old involved in the shooting.

Blackmon says charges will likely be brought in the case, but further discussion is needed before any decision is made.