Michelle Cox Casa Grande Arizona mother of 4 accidentally shot dead by 5 year old son at family home. Unclear how child found weapon.
An Arizona mother of four has died after her 5-year-old son ‘accidentally’ shot her in the chest in the early morning hours of Friday according to police.
Officers with the Casa Grande Police Department responded to the call of a shooting at around 6:30 a.m. at The Colony Apartments. When they arrived at the scene, they found Michelle Cox, 38, suffering from a gunshot wound in her chest, police said.
Cox was taken by helicopter with life-threatening injuries to a Chandler hospital where she died shortly after.
Police determined her 5-year-old son pulled the trigger of the handgun that killed her. Detectives believe the incident was unintentional according to a Facebook release.
The victim’s four children, who are under 13, and her 40-year-old boyfriend were also at home during the incident but were not injured.
Safeguarding firearms
‘This is a stark reminder that owning and safeguarding a firearm is a serious responsibility and should be a priority in anyone’s home or business, especially if children are present,’ the Police Department said in a statement.
Investigators have not yet determined who the weapon belonged to and no one has been charged in the case.
Casa Grande Police say they are continuing to investigate the incident and are working with Pinal County Attorney‘s office to determine if any crime occurred.
Police and the Pinal County Attorney’s Office are conducting further investigations.
Seeking justice
Although police initially ruled the shooting accidental, the victim’s brother, Michael Cox, is seeking justice for his sister.
‘I would really love for the person responsible for having the gun to be prosecuted,’ Michael told KPNX.
It remained unclear how the child was able to access the weapon and whether any charges were forthcoming.
Meanwhile, Cox’s four ‘distraught’ children were placed in the care of her father.
