Police in Atlanta, Georgia say a six-year-old girl was killed Saturday when she accidentally shot herself after discovering a loaded gun tucked in the couch cushions of her home.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that police arrived at the home of 25-year-old Demarqo Smith, Saturday morning to find 6-year-old Ja’Mecca Smith dead and her father gone. Authorities said the father briefly fled the apartment before returning to speak with police.
READ MORE: 2-year-old finds gun on bed, accidentally kills self
Smith was arrested and charged Sunday with involuntary manslaughter and reckless conduct, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“Right now my life is in shambles,” Kate Milling, Ja’Mecca’s mother, told NBC-affiliate WXIA-TV. “It’s hard and it hurts. It’s not a good feeling. I lost my baby girl and I’m upset.”
Ja’Mecca is the fourth Georgia child to be killed in an accidental shooting since the beginning of October.
- Nov. 11, 2-year-old Jayden Jamar Clay accidentally shot and killed himself with a gun that belonged to his mother’s boyfriend.
- Oct. 27, another 2-year-old died after accidentally shooting himself with a semi-automatic handgun that had been left on a bed, police said.
- Oct. 17, an 8-year-old was killed inside her family’s home when a handgun fell and discharged when it hit the floor.
Ja’Mecca’s family has set up a crowd funding page to raise money for the 6-year-old’s funeral expenses.
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