Two-year-old gunshot victim identified
July 11, 2010 | 5:43
pm
Authorities have identified the 2-year-old San Fernando Valley boy who was shot and killed Friday by his brother in what police described as a tragic accident.
Enjae Rugley of Northridge was discovered with a single gunshot wound to the upper torso at a residence in the 16700 block Parthenia Street about 5:50 p.m, Los Angeles police and a coroner’s investigator said Sunday.
Detectives determined that the boy’s 9-year-old brother had accidentally shot the toddler while playing with a loaded firearm. The toddler was taken to a local hospital, where he died.
KTLA reported that the older boy found the gun inside a closet. No other information was given.
-- Corina Knoll and Ruben Vives
Recommendations
This is hard to understand. A kid as old as 9 who lived in a house with a gun should have received gun safety training. Most basic rule number 1: don't point it at anything you don't want to kill. And the gun should have been secure enough to not be accessible to the 2 year old, which sounds like it wasn't the case.
Posted by: absurd | July 11, 2010 at 06:54 PM
My heart goes out the mother who is weeping and the 9 year old who is crying for what cannot be undone. I have an 8 year old son and 2 year old and I know how close they probably were as brothers. No matter what happened may he remember he is still loved and that he understands many years from now he will have to live with this struggle day in and day out. I couldn't sleep last night thinking of the family, my heart really grieves for them as well.
Posted by: Jennifer | July 11, 2010 at 07:22 PM
In the article Saturday 7-10-10 no charges were filed. Why? I've read so many times (in Central LA) where the parents were charged with negligence, or child endangerment. Are there 2 sets of laws"
Posted by: Arthur Davis | July 11, 2010 at 07:29 PM
Where were the parents and who are they? Why did they leave two underage children alone with a loaded gun? What is going to happen to them? Will they be prosecuted for neglect?
Posted by: Carol Hegarty | July 11, 2010 at 07:47 PM
Paperwork for gun purchase around the nation is EXTREMELY clear about the responsibilities & penalties for accidents resulting from children gaining access to unsecured guns in the home. Great job, Dad! A simple trigger lock (required by law in CA) could have prevented the tragedy. This was a case of irresponsible gun ownership by the adult, and should not reflect poorly on responsible gun owners.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 11, 2010 at 09:04 PM
Loaded gun in closet? No supervision? What mental processes were functioning in that household? So sad. The incredible anguish could have been avoided. That's even sadder.
Posted by: Scooter | July 11, 2010 at 09:26 PM
And this, boys and girls, is exactly why you DON'T LEAVE LOADED FIREARMS AROUND THE HOUSE.
Tragically, it's the kids who play with guns that are invariably punished for their parents' stupidity.
Posted by: Emily | July 11, 2010 at 11:18 PM