Gun Shot By 4-Year-Old: Kills 48-Year-Old at Family Gathering
A gun has been fired by a 4-year-old, killing a 48 year old woman in a tragic accident that took place in Lebanon, Wilson County at the weekend.
The victim was the wife of a Wilson County Sheriff's Office deputy, who was shot dead by the toddler after the child get hold of a gun at a family cookout event.
Josephine G. Fanning and the toddler went into a bedroom in the home where husband Daniel Fanning was showing a handgun to another guest at the residence. However, the young child got hold of the gun, which was apparently placed down on a bed, and unwittingly fired a shot that hit Josephine. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene, but she was pronounced dead at the home, according to The Tennessean.
The gun was the deputy's own personal gun and not a police issued firearm, according to reports.
The child was reportedly a relative of the deputy and the victim, although their exact relationship was not immediately verified.
According to reports, there was alcohol present at the party, however, there has not been anything linking alcohol directly to what happened. The deputy was also confirmed not to have been on duty at the time of the accident.
No charges have been filed at this time, and there is no indication that what happened was anything other than a tragic accident. The investigation is ongoing.
