In a heartbreaking event, a 3-year-old boy was shot dead in an apparent accident at his home in Columbia, Maryland, on Monday. According to Howard County police, the shooting took place inside the family's residence on Harpers Farm Road, where an unsecured handgun was found. The boy's family, including his 5-year-old brother and both parents, were present during the incident. Authorities are conducting an investigation to ascertain whether the gunshot was self-inflicted or fired by another individual present in the home. At this time, police have not filed any charges and do not believe there was any foul play involved.

This tragic incident follows a series of similar accidents involving young children in the region, highlighting ongoing concerns about firearm safety in households. In one instance last month, a four-year-old girl accidentally shot herself after discovering a gun, while another young child in Montgomery County also suffered an accidental shooting. The police continue to urge gun owners to secure their firearms to prevent such devastating accidents.