A 4-year-old Florida boy named Chosen Morris died after he accidentally pulled the trigger of a gun belonging to his father while playing with it. The gun was left in the driver's seat of the family's vehicle, according to police, and the bullet hit him in the head.
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The New York Post reports that the incident took place on Saturday, February 22. The Morris family was getting ready to go get pizza, and Chosen eagerly waited in the car. According to ABC News, Robert Morris, Chosen's dad, was in the bathroom. His mother, Quinta, was in her bedroom, using the computer. Suddenly, Quinta heard a loud "pop."
She assumed that one of her children had broken something, so she went into the living room only to find her 7-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. Four-year-old Chosen Morris was nowhere to be found. Quinta looked for Chosen everywhere when she noticed that the garage door was open. Inside the family car, Chosen was unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the head. His parents rushed him to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead.
Tragic Accident
Police reported that a Smith & Wesson M&P.40 caliber gun was left in the driver's seat of the vehicle. Chosen, who waited inside the vehicle, played with the gun and accidentally pulled the trigger. Reportedly, Robert Morris had left it there when he arrived home on Thursday, leaving it there throughout Friday until Saturday when the incident took place. He uses the gun for personal protection according to the Post.
Davenport Police Chief Steve Parker held a press conference on Monday, giving details about Chosen's tragic death.
"We believe Chosen was excited about going out that evening and got into the car to wait for the rest of the family," Parker said. "In doing so found the firearm underneath the seat and while playing with it discharged and caused his fatal injuries."
Parker would empathize with the Morris family as he is a family man too, calling the incident a "tragic accident."
"As a father and grandfather, I can't imagine what Mr. and Mrs. Morris are going through right now," Parker added. "Our prayers are certainly with the Morris family as they endure this heartbreaking tragedy."
Police Chief Parker stated that he does not want to seek criminal charges related to this case. However, deliberation with prosecutors will determine if charges are filed against the parents.
