A 3-year-old girl was fatally shot by a 5-year-old boy early Friday at a residence in Bena, Minnesota, according to authorities.
Sheriff Tom Burch stated in a press release that when deputies arrived, they discovered the small girl had been “shot by unintentional gunfire” by the boy.
At the Deer River Hospital, the girl was confirmed deceased.
The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy, and an investigation is ongoing.
It’s unclear whether criminal charges will be filed in connection with the tragic event.
According to the Gun Violence Archive, 968 children have been killed by weapons so far this year.
According to the Children’s Defense Fund, nonprofit child advocacy and research organization, 3,371 American children and teenagers were killed by weapons in 2019.