Jose Hilario Abreu: Pennsylvania dad charged after 3-year-old shoots himself dead with unattended handgun

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised. If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services. 

ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA: Jose Hilario Abreu, a 28-year-old father from Allentown, is facing grave charges following a tragic incident that resulted in the death of his 3-year-old son, Elijah Abreu Borgen.

The heart-wrenching event unfolded last month when authorities say Elijah fatally shot himself with an unattended handgun on March 28. 

Jose Hilario Abreu charged with involuntary manslaughter in toddler's accidental shooting death

Abreu was arraigned on Friday, charged with involuntary manslaughter along with two counts of child endangerment. According to Lehigh County prosecutors, the child succumbed to a gunshot wound to the torso after being rushed to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest.

The death was ruled as accidental, but the circumstances surrounding it are deeply troubling.

Prosecution details allegations of unattended loaded gun

The prosecution alleges that Abreu left a semi-automatic handgun unattended and fully loaded with a live cartridge in the chamber while both Elijah and a 2-year-old child were present.

Shockingly, it is claimed that Abreu placed the firearm under the sofa where the toddlers were sitting before leaving the room. Upon hearing a loud bang, he returned to find Elijah with a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.

Prosecutors highlight gunshot residue in Elijah Abreu Borgen's death

Prosecutors assert that when the gun discharged it “was unholstered and resting atop of a pillow on the couch where both toddlers were sitting,” reported US News.

Further complicating the matter, a rapid gunshot residue test conducted after Elijah's death revealed a "presumptive positive indication" of gunshot residue on his hands. 

Abreu now finds himself detained in Lehigh County jail pending his scheduled arraignment. According to the source, court documents indicate that he is being represented by the county public defender's office.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched for Elijah to support the expenses for his funeral service.

"He was a smart loving little boy. Always playful and with a smile on his face," read the fundraiser. "He has made a huge impact in our lives in short time he was with us."