Local News

Lenoir County father faces charges after 3-year-old shoots himself at home

At 9:30 a.m., a 3-year-old boy accidentally shot himself with a handgun inside a residence on Murphy Road in Pink Hill. After being transported to UNC Lenoir Health Care in Kinston, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Posted 2024-01-14T16:30:30+00:00 - Updated 2024-01-26T08:40:23+00:00

WRAL staff

The Lenoir County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a father on Thursday in connection with the accidental shooting of a 3-year-old.

The incident took place on Jan. 5, at 9:30 a.m., when Clarence Roland Byrd IV accidentally shot himself with a handgun inside a home on Murphy Road in Pink Hill.

After being transported to UNC Lenoir Health Care in Kinston, the child was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Deputies charged Clarence Byrd III, 29, with involuntary manslaughter and negligent child abuse.

Byrd received a secured bond.

"My heart goes out to the families involved in these tragic incidents," Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers said. "I challenge all Lenoir County residents to practice firearm safety in their homes, especially in homes were children are present."