Teen killed in accidental shooting close to Dixon
The accidental discharge of a firearm Monday afternoon near Dixon has left a teenager dead after his friends drove him to Williamsville to meet an ambulance, the authorities said.
The Neshoba County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident that happened on Road 406 but ended up in front of Williamsville.
Sheriff Eric Clark said Tuesday his office was not releasing any names ensure the family has the time and space to inform those they need to and to “collect themselves.” The incident remains under investigation but is currently ruled an accident, Clark said.
“There are still pieces that need to be pieced together,” Clark said. “It is still unclear if they were just looking at the firearm or if it was more of a show and tell situation. The incident is considered an accidental discharge at this time.”
Clark said the incident was reported around 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 3. He said that three teenagers and a 12-year-old were left alone at a residence on Road 406.
Clark said that a 15-year-old and the 12-year-old were in a room with a gun safe and were handling a single-barrel 20-gauge, breach-loading shotgun with the hammer exposed when the gun went off in the 12-year-old’s hands and shot the 15-year-old in the back.
Clark said the other two teenagers then acted quickly and got the 15-year-old into a family vehicle and called 911. Clark said they were able to meet EMS near Williams Brothers.
The 15-year-old was pronounced dead at Williams Brothers by the coroner, officials said..
Clark said he knows the family involved and asks that the community keep them in their prayers.
Clark said the incident should serve as a reminder of the importance of firearm safety training and the “golden rules” for the handling of firearms that are taught in courses such as Hunter’s education.
Clark said lists of rules range in number from program to program, but that essential rules include “keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, treat every firearm as if it is loaded and keep your finger off of the trigger until you are ready to shoot.”
Clark said those rules remain central to law enforcement training and guidelines and should be reiterated daily to young people who regularly come into contact with or handle firearms.