Michigan boy, 6, fatally shoots 5-year-old with unsecured firearm found in bedroom of grandparent's home

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

NEWAYGO COUNTY, MICHIGAN: A tragic incident unfolded in Michigan when a 6-year-old boy accidentally fired a loaded gun, killing a 5-year-old boy.

According to the Michigan State Patrol, on Monday afternoon, April 1st, the two children found an unsecured firearm in their grandparents' Garfield Township bedroom.

Michigan State Patrol requests parents to use 'gun locks'

Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered the lifeless body of the 5-year-old boy. The police indicated that the findings of the investigation would be sent to the Newaygo County prosecutor for review.

“Hold your children tight tonight and give them an extra hug. Because this family is grieving,” Lt Michelle Robinson said, according to WZZM.

As of this year, a new law in Michigan mandates that gun owners must ensure their unattended firearms are unloaded and securely stored if there's a reasonable suspicion that children might be present.

“The one thing that we do want to stress to parents is to get gun locks for your firearms, if you have them in your home, you never know when tragedy will strike,” said Robinson.

She further added, “And so we can’t reiterate that enough that there are police agencies throughout Michigan that do have those gun locks available. Just come in, they’re free of charge. Grab one and put them on the firearms that you have in your home.”

The legal repercussions for the children's guardians or grandparents in connection to the shooting remain uncertain. While WZZM reports that the children are related, no further details regarding their relationship have been provided.

Detectives continue to investigate the shooting

A Michigan State Police update on platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, April 13, revealed that the two children discovered the loaded gun in a bedroom at their grandparents' residence. The investigation into the incident is still underway.

The six-year-old boy was holding the gun when it discharged.

The tweet read, "Detectives continue to investigate the fatal shooting of a 5-year-old boy from Newaygo. Initial investigation reveals that two children found a firearm in the bedroom of their grandparents' home."

It went on to state, "A 6-year-old boy had the firearm in his possession when it discharged and killed the 5-year-old. Once completed, the investigation will be forwarded to the Newaygo County prosecutor for review."