In California, United States, 22-year-old Jessinya Mina was tragically shot and killed by her 2-year-old toddler, prompting the arrest of her boyfriend, 18-year-old Andrew Sanchez, on charges of improper gun storage, Fresno police reported this week.
The incident occurred Friday at an apartment on North Fresno Street, where Mina was shot in the upper body while lying in bed, according to Police Lt. Paul Cervantes during a Tuesday press conference. Cervantes described the event as a preventable tragedy, stating, “The firearm was stored in a location accessible to the toddler, who was able to manipulate the trigger.”
Sanchez admitted responsibility for the toddler finding the 9 mm handgun. Mina also had an 8-month-old infant, police noted. Sanchez, who has no prior criminal record, tried to take Mina to the hospital after the shooting. He was arrested and charged with child endangerment and criminal storage of a firearm, both felonies, but has since posted bail. It remains unclear if Sanchez has legal representation.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are consulting with Fresno County prosecutors to determine additional charges. Prosecutors could not be reached for comment as of Wednesday afternoon.
Cervantes emphasized the importance of secure firearm storage to prevent similar tragedies. “This devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility gun owners have to ensure weapons are stored safely and out of children’s reach,” he said.
Mina’s relatives were not immediately available for comment.
