Brownwood Police continue their investigation of the fatal shooting of a child at a residence on Parkway which appears to be an accident at this point according to Chief Mike Corley.  The shooting occurred Sunday night at approximately 8:15 pm and resulted in the death of a young girl.

“We have a difficult job to do and we are prepared to do that,” said Corley.  “It appears to be a tragic accident, but we have to look into it.”

Corley explained that with any unexpected death, police have an obligation to investigate.  With respect for the family in their time of grief, he had a limited report to offer explaining how the shooting occurred.

Corley confirmed that the victim was a 4-year-old female.  There were multiple people inside the home, both adult and minors at the time of the shooting.  He explained that a semi-automatic handgun was being cleaned when it discharged and that the person cleaning the gun was an adult.  The bullet traveled through a wall striking the child who was in another room with adult and minor witnesses.

“It doesn’t really matter who did it, where it happened,” stated Corley regarding the limited amount of information released.  “Our biggest concern is the family, and their healing.  We should all continue to pray for them through this difficult time.”

An incident like this is obviously very difficult for the family and for emergency responders that are unable to save the life of a child, according to Corley.    He explained that patrol officers, dispatchers and investigators will attend at least one mandatory counseling session to help them cope.

Corley stated that local churches are offering support to the family.

Photo contributed.