BATON ROUGE, La. (September 5, 2025) – Authorities in Baton Rouge are investigating a heartbreaking tragedy after a 3-year-old child was shot and killed Friday morning in what police are calling an accidental shooting.
According to officials, emergency crews were dispatched to the 4400 block of Sumrall Drive around 7:30 a.m. after reports of a shooting involving a young child. The Baton Rouge Police Department and emergency medical services arrived on scene and confirmed the child had been fatally wounded. The East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office was later called to take custody of the child’s body.
Preliminary reports indicate that the shooting appears to have been accidental. However, investigators have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the firearm was discharged or whether anyone else was inside the home at the time.
Police have not yet released the identity of the child, pending notification of family members. Authorities say the investigation remains active and ongoing as detectives gather evidence and interview those connected to the case.
Neighbors in the Sumrall Drive area expressed shock and sadness over the tragedy, with many describing it as “unimaginable.” Community leaders and child safety advocates are once again urging parents and guardians to ensure firearms are safely secured, especially in households with children.
The Baton Rouge Police Department has not said whether any charges will be filed, noting that the focus at this time is on understanding exactly how the fatal shooting occurred.
This incident adds to a growing number of accidental shootings involving children across the nation, a sobering reminder of the importance of gun safety and secure storage practices in the home.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as the investigation develops.
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