5-year-old Utah boy accidentally kills himself with a handgun he found in his parents’ bedroom

2025-04-20 06:45:08 source: category:Markets

SANTAQUIN, Utah (AP) — A small town south of Salt Lake City is mourning the death of a 5-year-old boy who accidentally shot himself with a handgun he found in his parents’ bedroom.

The boy found a 9 mm handgun in the back room of his house Thursday afternoon and fired a single shot to the head, said Lt. Mike Wall with the Santaquin Police Department. The boy’s parents, and possibly one of his siblings, were inside the home when the shooting happened but were not with him in the room.

Wall said authorities do not suspect foul play, and charges against the parents are not currently being pursued. He declined to say if or how the weapon was secured. The investigation, which will include a report by the medical examiner, could take several months. Police have not released the names of anyone involved.

The father went into the room as soon as he heard the gunshot and started CPR, but the boy died at the scene, Wall said.

“The family obviously is devastated. ... Obviously it’s a shock to the community. It’s always a good reminder of how quick things can happen and how fast accidents can take place,” Wall said.

The tight-knit town of about 14,000 people is one of the best anyone could ask for when it comes to support, Wall said. Santaquin is about 60 miles (96 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City.

More:Markets

Recommend

Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal

Have you ever wanted to eat a Grinch green doughnut? Well, now's your chance.Krispy Kreme announced

RHOSLC's Heather Gay Responds to Mary Cosby's Body-Shaming Comments

There's nothing Gucci about body-shaming. At least that's how Real Housewives of Salt Lake City fans

Horoscopes Today, October 11, 2023

Here are the horoscopes for today.For full daily and monthly horoscopes as well as expert readings,