3-Year-Old Toddler Dies in Accidental Shooting While Mom Played Uno in Another Room

Authorities in Fresno, California, have confirmed that a tragic accidental shooting last week resulted in the death of 22-year-old Jessinya Mina, who was fatally shot by her 3-year-old child. The incident occurred Friday night at the Butterfly Grove Apartment complex on Fresno Street and San Jose Avenue.

According to the Fresno Police Department, Mina’s toddler accessed an unsecured firearm inside the apartment and accidentally discharged it while she was lying in bed. “The firearm was stored in a location where the toddler accessed the firearm, and at some point, in time, while handling that particular weapon, the toddler was able to manipulate the trigger, and it actually struck Mina,” said Lt. Paul Cervantes of the Fresno Police Department.

Mina’s 18-year-old boyfriend, Andrew Sanchez, attempted to transport her to the hospital, but first responders arrived and took over. Despite their efforts, Mina later died at the hospital. Mina’s sister revealed to Action News that Mina had previously asked Sanchez not to keep a gun in the house, a request he reportedly ignored.

Now because of her boyfriend’s carelessness, his arrogance, his irresponsibility, and neglecting my sister’s wishes of never having a gun in her house, she’s gone forever.

Jessica Rodriguez, victim’s sister

Sanchez was arrested and charged with negligent storage of a firearm and felony child endangerment. While he has since been released on bail, ABC30 Legal Analyst Tony Capozzi indicated that the charges could lead to a serious sentence if he is convicted.

“I would see felony charges in this particular case … and if he’s convicted, it’s 2, 4, or 6 years in state prison,” Capozzi explained. The case will require prosecutors to examine various forms of evidence, including potential gunshot residue tests on the child’s hands.

Full Statement:
“My sister was a young mother of two beautiful children who should’ve been given the opportunity to spend a long happy life with them. She was 22 years old, she was in the process of going back to cosmetology school and finishing her career. She was loving, and caring, and always gave selflessly away whenever she had the opportunity. She was a Mother, a Sister, a Tia, a godmother, a Best friend who was always there for everyone. She was a beautiful soul who touched the lives of anyone she ever encountered. She was beautiful and funny and could put a smile on anyone’s face, anyone who knew her was truly blessed by her presence. Now because of her boyfriend’s carelessness, his arrogance, his irresponsibility, and neglecting my sister’s wishes of never having a gun in her house, she’s gone forever. My niece and nephew will have to live off of memories and stories of my sister rather than her presence. We will never be able to witness my sister carry out her lifelong goals and accomplishments due to his negligence. My sister didn’t deserve this.”

Fresno police emphasized the importance of safe gun storage to prevent tragedies like this. Officer Luke Tran demonstrated the effectiveness of gun locks, saying, “When you have it stored like this — this gun will not fire because you cannot load ammunition into it. When you don’t have a lock, it can be fired.”

Lt. Cervantes offered a somber reminder: “Do so in a manner that children do not access it. For children that are watching this or hear this, if you see a firearm, leave it alone, don’t touch it, tell an adult.” The Fresno Police Department provides free gun locks at its headquarters as part of an effort to promote firearm safety.

A GoFundMe has been established to assist with funeral expenses and to support Mina’s two surviving children. This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership and storage.