Texas Toddler Accidentally Shoots, Kills 4-Year-Old Sister While Parents Are In Another Room: Sheriff

A 4-year-old girl in Texas was accidentally shot and killed in her home by her 3-year-old sister, according to authorities.

Around 8:00 p.m. on March 12, officers were dispatched regarding a call about a shooting at an apartment complex in Houston, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said at a press conference.

Gonzalez said five adults and the two little girls were hanging out at an apartment in Houston. They were all family and friends.

The preliminary investigation showed the two girls were in a room at the residence and each of the children’s parents thought the other was watching the kids, police said.

The girls, however, were left unsupervised, and one picked up an “unsecured” and loaded semi-automatic pistol, Gonzalez said.

The five adults heard a gunshot and ran into the room, where they found the younger child accidentally shot the other girl, officials said.

The injured child was unresponsive, and the parents immediately called 911, according to Gonzalez.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

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The shooting appeared to be accidental and officials said it will be up to the district attorney to decide if any charges will be pressed against any of the adults that were in the apartment at the time.

"You've got to make sure you're a responsible gun owner," Gonzalez said. "Secure your weapons in a safe place. It's got to be more than just to tell the kids not to touch the weapons."