Uncle leaves gun unattended, flees after 3-year-old fatally shoots himself in South Carolina, police say
By Stephanie Moore
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COLUMBIA, South Carolina (WYFF) — The uncle of a 3-year-old who fatally shot himself has been charged after police say he left a gun unattended and then fled after the shooting, according to Columbia police.
Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford said Erin Myers, 3, died of a gunshot wound.
Rutherford said the shooting happened in the child’s home off Bailey Street on Thursday night.
Myers was taken to the hospital after the shooting, where he died.
“The loss of a child is always heartbreaking. We will continue working with investigators for the details surrounding this incident.” Rutherford said.
The Columbia Police Department said the child’s uncle, 21-year-old Tyrone Thompson Jr., is charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
According to CPD, Thompson left the gun unattended in the room with the toddler. They say he did not render aid, disposed of the gun, and fled the scene after the incident.
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