3-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots & Kills 19-Year-Old Man Visiting Family With His Own Gun While He Slept

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A recent incident in Georgia highlights the importance of gun safety. A toddler got hold of a gun in a home, and reportedly shot teenager Kabrel Patterson while he was asleep. Police are still investigating exactly what led to the traumatic incident, but it’s clear that the gun was left unattended. The child was able to get to it, and fired it without knowing what was going to happen. Now, a family has to come together to figure out how to move forward in the face of senseless tragedy.

Deputies from the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, were called to a home in Hiram, Georgia, shortly after 7 a.m. on June 23, 2025, they said in a statement. When they arrived, they learned that a 19-year-old had been shot in the head.

Deputies tried to administer life-saving care, but unfortunately, he died at the scene. The 19-year-old was later identified as Kabrel Patterson, 11Alive reported.

According to a police statement, deputies spoke with multiple people who were in the home at the time. It seems that they were all sleeping when the incident occurred. While they all slept, the 3-year-old found the gun. The child accidentally fired it, hitting Patterson while he slept.

“This is just a tragic situation,” Jordan Yuodis, spokesperson for the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office, told Fox 5 Atlanta. According to Yuodis, the child shot Patterson in the back of the head. Police said Patterson had arrived the night before he was shot to visit family. He brought the gun with him at that time. It is unknown how the toddler got hold of the gun.

A neighbor spoke with Fox 5 Atlanta, noting there was a heavy police and EMS presence at the normally quiet home. “I saw what looked like the entire household outside … including one adult,” she said. “He asked me to give him a hug. Gave him a hug. Brought them some water and chairs, and then police put the crime scene tape up,” the neighbor said. 

“They seem to be, basically, such a good family,” another neighbor added.

Police are treating the incident as a tragic accident. Because the gun belonged to the victim, no charges will be filed. The investigation is ongoing.