By Nakiwala Barbra
A 22-year-old mother in Fresno, California, was tragically killed by her two-year-old son after he found a loaded handgun in the couple’s bedroom.
The incident occurred on Friday evening at the Butterfly Grove apartment complex, where Jessinya Mina was resting in bed when her son accidentally fired the weapon, striking her in the upper body.
Emergency responders transported Mina to Community Regional Medical Center, but she succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
The firearm, a 9mm handgun, was allegedly left unsecured by Mina’s boyfriend, 18-year-old Andrew Sanchez, who also lived in the apartment. Fresno police reported that Sanchez and other roommates attempted to take Mina to the hospital themselves before first responders intervened. Sanchez, who has no prior criminal record, was later arrested and charged with negligent storage of a firearm and felony child endangerment. He has since been released on bail.
“It’s heartbreaking to think a toddler could gain access to a loaded weapon and have the strength to fire it,” said Lt. Paul Cervantes during a press conference. Police revealed that the firearm had been left in an accessible location, making it easy for the child to reach. The incident underscores the dangers of improper firearm storage and the devastating consequences of negligence.
Mina’s death has left her family and community in shock, prompting renewed calls for stricter gun safety measures. The tragedy highlights the importance of securely storing firearms, especially in homes with children. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
