4-Year-Old Girl Fatally Shot in Milwaukee by Brother, 6
Authorities are investigating how the children accessed the firearm.
A 4-year-old girl died Saturday morning in Milwaukee after being accidentally shot by her 6-year-old brother, authorities said. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. when the two siblings were playing and the younger brother gained access to a firearm, according to the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal.
Emergency services responded to the scene in the 2700 block of North 53rd Street, where the girl, identified as Jurnee Scales Walker, was pronounced dead. A neighbor, Rodney Mckinney, described the scene as "sad," noting that one responding officer was seen crying.
A 16-year-old sibling was taken into custody and charged with possession of a firearm in juvenile court. Authorities are reportedly investigating the circumstances surrounding how the gun was accessed by the children.
Jurnee's cousin, Amya Burton-Lewis, told WTMJ that the girl was playing when the shooting occurred. She expressed sorrow that the tragic event is how many would come to know Jurnee, whom she described as "sweet." Burton-Lewis also stated that the firearm was secured prior to the incident and that she was unsure how the children obtained it.
Milwaukee police are urging gun owners to ensure their firearms are stored safely and out of reach of children.