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Under Investigation: Boy, 4, Dies After Shooting Himself With Handgun

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Heartbreak in a Northwest Baltimore neighborhood. That's where a 4-year-old child died after he apparently shot himself in the face with a gun he found in the house.

Andrea Fujii has details and reaction from saddened neighbors.

As that little boy's family grieves, neighbors are offering up their sympathies, while wondering how the child got ahold of a gun.

On Fernhill Avenue in Northwest Baltimore, neighbors can only watch as police investigate the death of 4-year-old Tyeshawn Townsend.

"I feel pain for his mom because I'm a mom also," said a neighbor.

"I just think people who own handguns need to be more responsible with them, but I just can't imagine what the parents are going through at this time and my prayers go out to them," said India Motse-Dyson.

Police say around 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Tyeshawn apparently found a gun inside his house and was playing with it when it went off--hitting him in the face.

He was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries.

"I can tell you that a gun has been recovered by detectives," said Jeremy Silbert, Baltimore City Police.

A police spokesman said he did not know who was in the house with the child at the time. But some neighbors reportedly heard the boy's mother screaming in horror. Many who live nearby are all asking the same question.

"In the first place, how could a 4-year-old get hold of a gun?" said Rosemarie Singh.

Area parents say it's a heartbreaking lesson learned for the entire community.

"When you have little kids like that, they get into everything.  I don't think people really should own a gun when you have kids like that," Louvinia Sneed said.

"Put it locked up so a child really can't get to it. Just having it laying around, if a child is curious they think it's a toy," Paulette Vaughn said.

"I think guns shouldn't be allowed in the home, period, especially with young children.  Children of any age actually," said Anna Coates.

Detectives are still working the case. Police say it's too early to tell whether any charges will be filed.

Police hope to release more information on the tragedy at a press briefing Monday.

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