CHICAGO (WLS) — A woman is facing charges after a 5-year-old boy was shot and killed on Chicago’s South Side on Sunday afternoon, police said.
Police said 29-year-old Chicago woman Danya Bell has been charged with one felony count of Causing Child Endangerment/Death.
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The incident occurred around 1:17 p.m. on Sunday in the Kenwood area, particularly in the 4400-block of South Greenwood Avenue, according to the police. A 5-year-old boy, who was inside an apartment there, sustained a gunshot wound to the head.
The boy was taken in critical condition to Comer Children’s Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His identity has not yet been released.
Officers arrested Bell less than three hours after the shooting happened, police said on Tuesday.
Although the exact details of the shooting have not been officially confirmed by Chicago police, a local pastor familiar with the family’s account suggested it might have been an accident.
“The child found a gun and accidentally shot himself,” stated Pastor Donovan Price. “The boy’s sister called 911 and, from what I’ve heard, was taking him to the hospital.”
Price spent a few hours at the hospital on Sunday afternoon, praying with the family.
“It’s a combination of grief and trying to process and facing reality. Trying to really figure out what happened,” Price said.
The exact circumstances of the shooting were not immediately known. Investigators said a weapon was recovered at the apartment building.
“When kids are present in a home, it’s crucial to take every precaution,” Price mentioned. “It’s similar to childproofing a house, like when dealing with electrical outlets. You must take added measures.”
The boy’s family remained at the hospital well into the evening Sunday as relatives came in to say their goodbyes.
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