3-year-old dies after gun ‘accidentally’ goes off in parked car, NC police say
UPDATE: The toddler’s parents, Michael and Kaitlyn Hatch, were charged May 27 with violation of storage of firearms to protect minors, the Mebane Police Department said in a May 29 news release.
“We recognize the deep and lasting impact this tragedy has had on our community. Our thoughts remain with the family, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking loss,” police said in the release.
The original story continues below.
A 3-year-old died after a gun “accidentally” discharged inside of a car, North Carolina police said.
Officers responded to reported shots fired at about 8 p.m. May 7 near a sports park, the Mebane Police Department said in a news release.
Witnesses told WRAL the gun went off during a T-ball game.
The toddler and a firearm were found in a car parked near the field, and the child was taken to a hospital for medical treatment, police said.
Officers said the child later died at the hospital.
One round was fired inside the car, striking the toddler, police said, adding that they are investigating it as an “apparent accidental discharge of a firearm.”
Investigators did not say if anyone else was in the vehicle with the child at the time of the shooting.
“This is a heartbreaking loss,” police said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all those affected.”
Mebane is about a 45-mile drive northwest from Raleigh.
This story was originally published May 8, 2025 at 4:52 PM with the headline "3-year-old dies after gun ‘accidentally’ goes off in parked car, NC police say."
