A 3-year-old boy was shot in the mouth by his 4-year-old friend. Although Michael Holzworth survived the shooting, he is currently hospitalized with serious injuries. Authorities in Snohomish County, Washington, believe the shooting was accidental. However, the incident remains under investigation.
Jon Holzworth said the two boys were playing alone in a bedroom when he heard a loud bang. He attempted to enter the room to investigate the noise. However, the children somehow managed to lock themselves inside.
When he finally broke through the door, Holzworth was stunned to find Michael’s face covered in blood. He initially thought he hit his son in the face with the door. Still unsure what happened, the distraught father called 911. Doctors at Providence Everett Medical Center later confirmed that the 3-year-old boy was shot in the face.
As reported by Q13 Fox , authorities believe the 4-year-old was playing with a gun , which belonged to Jon Holzworth. Unfortunately, the gun accidentally discharged, and the bullet struck little Michael in the mouth.
The SCSO Major Crimes Unit is currently investigating whether Michael’s injury was the result of his father’s negligence. Michael’s uncle, P.J. Thayer, believes the shooting was preventable.
“It’s just a miracle that (the bullet) didn’t go back into his brain. I don’t know where he left it, but he left it in a place where the child could get to it… It’s plain irresponsibility.”
As reported by Daily News , Thayer admits that he is a gun owner as well. However, he said his guns are kept inside a safe. Although he and his family are still reeling from the tragedy, Thayer said he is using the incident to teach his children about gun safety . He reminded his own sons to “get out of there and… tell an adult” if they ever see a gun.
Although he remains hospitalized, the 3-year-old boy is expected to survive being shot in the face. Thayer said his nephew will require plastic surgery to restructure his mouth and nasal cavity. However, he did not suffer any damage to the brain. At this time, Michael Holzworth is listed in stable condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Authorities said both families are cooperating with the investigation. The entire Holzworth family is heartbroken, but Thayer does not blame the 4-year-old boy. In fact, he said he is “really concerned for his well being and [his] family having to cope… ”
Although the 3-year-old was shot in the face, his friend was not physically injured in the incident.
[Image via Gannett ]
