Tragedy in New Mexico: Teen Faces Charges After Shooting His 8-Year-Old Sister
A New Mexico teen is facing charges after a heartbreaking accident left his 8-year-old sister critically injured. đ #News #ClaytonNM #NewMexico #Crime
CLAYTON, NM – What began as a typical school morning in Clayton, New Mexico, took a sudden, tragic turn when an accidental shooting left an 8-year-old girl in critical condition. A 17-year-old boy, reportedly believing his handgun was unloaded, pulled the trigger, striking his younger sister in the head.
Tuesday Morning Incident and Immediate Response
On Tuesday around 7:30 a.m., officers with the Clayton Police Department responded to an emergency call at a home at 301 Magnolia Street.
The 17-year-old was reportedly with his younger siblings, preparing for the day, when he aimed the firearm at his sister and fired, allegedly unaware it was loaded. The girl was severely injured, and her siblings immediately attempted to help, calling 911.
Emergency responders transported her to a local hospital, from which she was airlifted to a Texas facility due to the severity of her condition. She remains in critical condition.
The Firearmâs Origins and Investigation
According to New Mexico State Police, the weapon did not belong to anyone in the household, raising questions about how the teenager obtained it.
Following the shooting, the boy attempted to hide evidence by disassembling the gun and discarding it in a nearby dumpster. Investigators later recovered the firearm as they worked to piece together the events leading to the shooting.
The 17-year-old has been taken to the San Juan County Juvenile Detention Center, where he faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, negligent use of a deadly weapon, and tampering with evidence.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Concerns
The investigation remains active, with New Mexico State Police at the helm, examining the circumstances surrounding the gunâs presence in the home and how the teen gained access. This incident has sparked new conversations about firearm safety within communities and the importance of safe storage and education around firearms, especially with young people in the home.
As the investigation continues, this small town faces difficult questions about gun safety, accidental violence, and the weight of consequencesâone morning forever changing the lives of one family.
As loved ones rally around the young girl fighting for her life, words from Matthew 5:4 offer comfort: âBlessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.â The community holds onto hope and faith, bound together in support and love.
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