HIRAM, GA — A tragic accident unfolded in a Hiram home when a 3-year-old child accidentally shot and killed 19-year-old Kabrel Patterson while he was sleeping, according to the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours as Patterson was visiting a home where several people, including young children, were staying. Authorities say Patterson had brought a firearm with him and left it unsecured before going to bed. At some point the next morning, the toddler came across the weapon and accidentally discharged it, fatally striking Patterson as he slept.
Emergency responders rushed to the home, but despite lifesaving efforts, Patterson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators confirmed that the child and Patterson were not related, and that approximately 10 people were inside the residence at the time of the shooting. The incident is being treated as a tragic accident, but officials underscored the importance of safe firearm storage.
“This heartbreaking event could have been prevented with proper gun safety practices,” a spokesperson from the sheriff’s office said. “This serves as a devastating reminder of the consequences of leaving a firearm accessible to children.”
Authorities have not announced any charges at this time but say the investigation is ongoing. The name of the child and others present at the scene have not been released.
The community has been left shaken by the incident, and grief support services are being made available to those affected.
Officials continue to urge all gun owners to store firearms securely, use gun safes or lockboxes, and always ensure weapons are unloaded and inaccessible to children.