OTTER TAIL COUNTY (trfnews.i234.me) — In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office has announced that no charges will be filed in the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy who fatally shot himself in a rural Wadena home on December 29, 2024.
Law enforcement and emergency services responded to a report of the child suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Despite efforts to save him, the child later passed away from his injuries. The Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation, which was reviewed by the Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office.
Under Minnesota law, it is a gross misdemeanor to store a loaded firearm in a place where a child could access it. However, the investigation found that the family had childproof mechanisms in place, and the firearm was stored in a closed drawer. Tragically, a childproof door was inadvertently left ajar, allowing the child to gain access.
The Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office concluded that there was insufficient evidence for a successful prosecution, and no charges will be filed.
This is a devastating reminder of the importance of firearm safety and the need for constant vigilance in securing firearms from children.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
Did you know? Tragically, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports over 200,000 unintentional injuries resulting in death annually, with firearm-related accidents among the leading causes for children.