A tragic incident unfolded in a Northern California apartment when a 2-year-old child accidentally discharged a loaded firearm, resulting in the death of his 22-year-old mother. The toddler had found the unsecured weapon in the bedroom of the apartment he shared with his mother and her 18-year-old boyfriend, Andrew Sanchez. The child inadvertently fired a single shot, striking Jessinya Mina in the upper body.
The incident occurred on a Friday evening while Mina and her son were in bed. Mina, who was also the mother of an 8-month-old daughter, was rushed to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Lieutenant Paul Cervantes of the Fresno Police Department described the incident as a “preventable and avoidable tragedy” during a news conference on Monday. He emphasized the importance of properly storing firearms to prevent children from gaining access to them.
Police were called to the Butterfly Grove Apartment complex around 5:40 p.m. on the day of the incident. Upon arrival, they found Sanchez attempting to transport Mina to the hospital. First responders initiated lifesaving measures before she was transported to the medical center.
The 9mm firearm, which did not have an external safety feature, was found at the scene and seized by the police. Sanchez, who had no prior criminal record, was immediately arrested and charged with criminal storage of a firearm and child endangerment, both felony offenses.
Cervantes expressed disbelief that a toddler could have the strength to manipulate a firearm. He also highlighted the devastating impact of the incident on the family and the community.
Jessica Rodriguez, Mina’s older sister, remembered her as a beautiful soul who was planning to return to cosmetology school. She also revealed that Mina had repeatedly asked Sanchez to remove the firearm from their home, requests that were ignored.
Rodriguez expressed her grief and anger in a statement, blaming Sanchez’s carelessness and disregard for Mina’s wishes for her sister’s untimely death. She also started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to support her family.
Sanchez was taken to Fresno County Jail but has since posted bail. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.