Columbus, Ohio – A 3-year-old boy in Columbus tragically died after unintentionally shooting himself with a gun found inside his home on Monday morning, authorities confirmed. The incident has prompted criminal charges against his mother and the gun’s owner.
Incident Overview
The Columbus Division of Police reported that Cartier Smith, age 3, was found in critical condition inside an apartment on the city’s Southeast Side shortly before 9 a.m. Monday. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, the boy later died from his injuries.
Police said the child accessed a handgun that had been left unsecured in the bedroom, highlighting ongoing concerns about firearm safety in homes with young children.
Details from the Investigation
Authorities revealed that 29-year-old Carley Dials, the boy’s mother, and an unidentified man were sleeping in the upstairs bedroom. According to police, Dials discovered the handgun on the bedroom floor before going to bed.
“The gun was placed between the mattress and the wall of the bedroom around 3 a.m.,” police said. “The child found the firearm in the morning, leading to this tragic accident.”
The gun had been brought to the apartment by the man, who was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a previous felony conviction.
Charges Filed
Following the incident:
- Carley Dials was charged with involuntary manslaughter.
- The unidentified man was charged for illegally possessing a firearm and failing to comply with an active probation warrant. Authorities reported he had fled the scene before police arrived.
Broader Context on Child Firearm Safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Unintentional firearm injury is the leading cause of death among children aged 0–17 in the U.S.
- Most of these incidents occur inside the home, emphasizing the critical need for proper gun storage and supervision.
Safety Takeaways
Experts urge families to:
- Keep firearms unloaded and locked when not in use.
- Use gun safes or secure storage devices inaccessible to children.
- Regularly educate children about the dangers of firearms, even in the home.
“Even a brief lapse in gun safety can have devastating consequences,” CDC officials warned.
Conclusion
This heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of firearm safety, especially in homes with young children. Authorities continue to investigate and stress the need for vigilance to prevent similar tragedies.
What are your thoughts on child safety and firearm storage? Share your comments below and join the conversation.
