Crime
5-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shot by 3-Year-Old Brother in Henderson, Victim Identified
HENDERSON, NC – A tragic shooting inside a Henderson home has left a 5-year-old girl dead after her 3-year-old brother accidentally discharged a firearm, police say.
According to a press release from the Henderson Police Department, officers responded to a residence on Gary Street around 9:30 a.m. Friday following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered the young girl suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.
Early findings indicate that the incident occurred inside the family’s home when the 3-year-old child gained access to an unsecured firearm and discharged it, striking his sister, police said.
Authorities recovered the firearm used in the shooting, along with other evidence from the scene.
“The investigation will require time and various resources, including consultation with the District Attorney’s Office,” officials stated.
While police have not yet announced whether charges will be filed, the case remains under active review.
The North Carolina Beat has identified the victim as 5-year-old Avah Gracelynn and her 3-year-old brother as Waylon Lee.
Authorities are urging the public to secure firearms properly to prevent similar tragedies.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.