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.
Crime
Victim Killed in Northwest Side Phone Repair Store Shooting Identified as 35-Year-Old Cody Bell
San Antonio police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred at a phone repair store on the Northwest Side, resulting in the deaths of two men.
The incident took place around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the 11800 block of Bandera Road, near Loop 1604.
According to authorities, the altercation began when a customer, dissatisfied with the repair service, engaged in a verbal dispute with an employee.
As the confrontation escalated, it turned physical.
At one point, police said the customer produced a firearm and shot the employee.
In response, a second employee retrieved his own firearm and shot the customer.
Both the initial victim and the customer sustained fatal injuries and were pronounced dead.
The employee who was killed has been identified as 35-year-old Cody Bell.
The second employee involved in the shooting is cooperating with investigators and is not currently facing charges, police confirmed.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities review evidence and statements to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.