By Trend News Line 2024-07-03 03:28:20.
Parents of Six-Year-Old Shooting Victim in Elgin Behind Bars
In a distressing turn of events, the parents of a six-year-old boy who was shot in Elgin last week have been taken into custody. The incident, which occurred on June 25, has shocked the community and raised questions about gun safety and parental responsibility.
Tragic Incident
According to court documents, the young boy was shot by his eight-year-old cousin while they were left unattended with access to a loaded shotgun. The Wabasha County Attorney, Matthew Stinson, described the incident as rare and emphasized the need for gun owners to responsibly store their firearms.
Legal Charges
Raymond Duque and Nicole McGee, the parents of the injured child, are facing serious charges including three counts of Endangerment of Child by Firearm Access and Negligent Storage of a Firearm. Additionally, Duque has been charged with one count of Ineligible Person in Possession of a Firearm due to a previous violent crime conviction.
Child Protective Services
While the parents are in custody, the six-year-old victim and his nine-year-old sister, who witnessed the shooting, have been placed in the care of social services. Captain Curt Struwe of the Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office stated that resources are being provided to support the children through this traumatic experience.
Community Response
The Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward, although they do not anticipate additional charges to be filed. Stinson explained that due to the age of the cousin who fired the gun, it is unlikely that the child will face charges.
Gun Safety Awareness
The importance of proper gun safety measures has been highlighted in the wake of this tragic event. Struwe emphasized the need for firearms to be securely stored when not in use to prevent accidents like this from happening.
Medical Update
The young boy who was shot in the abdomen remains hospitalized, and his current condition is unknown. The community is rallying around the family, offering support and prayers for the child’s recovery.
Legal Proceedings
McGee and Duque are expected to appear in court for their initial hearing, where a judge will decide whether they will be released on bail. The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine the next steps for the family and the children involved.
As the Elgin community grapples with this tragic incident, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. Gun safety awareness and responsible firearm ownership are key to preventing similar incidents in the future..
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