Jamara Stevens, a 12-year-old Philadelphia girl, was shot and killed by her 2-year-old brother while playing on Saturday morning.
Police say the girl’s mother’s boyfriend had left a loaded .357 caliber handgun on top of the refrigerator while visiting their home that morning. While their mother went down the hall to the bathroom, Jamara and her 2-year-old brother, along with their 14-year-old brother and 7-year-old sister, started playing with the gun. The 2-year-old boy reportedly pointed the loaded gun and shot her in the arm.
Officials say the bullet then traveled through her chest, hitting her heart. She was pronounced dead at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia later that morning.
The kids’ mother was questioned for five hours but refused to cooperate. Police say they believe it was the 2-year-old that fired the fatal shot because they found gun powder residue and a burn on the child’s arm consistent with a gun shot.
Police have not filed any charges in the case.
Authorities are also reporting that another child was shot in Philadelphia over the weekend. An 11-year-old North Philadelphia boy was shot in the back when a gunman opened fire out of a car window. The boy is in critical condition at Temple University Hospital.
Police say “We know that at least 15 shots were fired from a large caliber semi-automatic gun. We found 15 shell casings at the intersection of Gratz and Oxford streets.”
Authorities added that two people were likely exchanging fire.
Local resident Edwina Billups says “It’s crazy, you gotta watch your kids at all times. You don’t know what’s happening. It’s sorry you have to do that but it’s what you have to do.”