Fresno, California: A 22-year-old California woman, Jessinya Mina, was fatally shot by her 2-year-old toddler in what authorities are calling a preventable tragedy. The woman’s boyfriend, Andrew Sanchez, 18, has been arrested for failing to store the gun securely, Fresno police confirmed this week.
The shooting occurred on Friday at an apartment in the 5200 block of North Fresno Street. According to Police Lt. Paul Cervantes, Mina was in bed when the toddler accessed a 9 mm handgun and accidentally fired it, striking her in the upper body.
“This incident is devastating and entirely preventable,” Cervantes said during a press conference on Tuesday. “The firearm was stored in a location where the toddler accessed it, and then, while handling the weapon, the toddler was able to manipulate the trigger.” Mina, who was also the mother of an 8-month-old infant, was rushed to the hospital by Sanchez but succumbed to her injuries.
Boyfriend faces felony charges
Sanchez, who does not have a prior criminal record, admitted to investigators that he was responsible for the toddler accessing the weapon. He has been charged with felony child endangerment and criminal storage of a firearm.
Police reported that Sanchez had been released on bail but noted that the investigation is ongoing. Authorities are working with Fresno County prosecutors to determine whether additional charges should be filed. Prosecutors were not immediately available for comment on the case as of Wednesday afternoon.
A stark reminder for gun owners
Police have described the tragedy as a grim reminder of the critical importance of proper firearm storage. “This type of tragedy deeply saddens the Fresno Police Department,” Cervantes said. “It’s devastating and serves as a stark reminder of the significance of securely storing firearms to ensure children cannot access them.”
The incident has reignited discussions about gun safety and the responsibilities of gun owners, particularly in households with young children. Officials are urging the public to take necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents, emphasizing the use of gun safes and secure storage methods. This tragic event underscores the dangers of improper firearm storage and the devastating consequences it can have on families and communities.