Memphis police have charged the mother and her friend after a 3-year-old shot himself with a gun that officials said was left in a bedroom.
Tinesha Jackson and Tedrick Butler have both been charged with negligent homicide, WHBQ reported.
Jackson had told police that a gun was left on a box covered with clothes while they went to get food on Sunday.
Jackson’s 3-year-old and 4-year-old sons were left with their uncle.
The uncle said he fell asleep but was awakened by a gunshot. He said the 4-year-old told him that the younger boy had shot himself in the head, WHBQ reported.
Jackson took the 3-year-old to the hospital after she got home and called the police.
The child was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Jackson told police that she knew Butler had brought the gun to the home and left it unsecured, WHBQ reported.