A mother in Southern California and her boyfriend were arrested after her 2-year-old son fatally shot himself after he found a gun hidden between two couch cushions in their home.
The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the shooting took place at a home in Highland, California, just after 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 16.
Upon their arrival, deputies found the boy and began life-saving efforts. The boy was then rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators determined that the boy found a gun hidden between two seat cushions on a couch and he accidentally shot himself with the weapon.
Authorities said that the victim’s mother, Jamaria Cobb, and her boyfriend, Armand Bright, were both inside the home at the time of the shooting.
Both Cobb, 20, and Bright, 52, were arrested at the scene and are currently in custody at the Central Detention Center on felony child abuse causing great bodily injury or death. They are both being held on $1.3 million bail.
It’s not currently clear if Cobb or Bright have entered pleas or retained legal counsel following their arrests. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding the incident.
Police said that a second child was also inside the home at the time of the incident. The child has since been taken into custody by Child and Family Services. It is not currently clear how old the second child is and how they are related to Cobb, Bright and the victim.
The investigation into the case remains ongoing. Officials have not yet released information regarding who legally owns the firearm or why it was left on the couch and easily accessible by the child.
Police have asked that anyone with information regarding the case contact Detective N. Hospodar or Sergeant B. Sprague at the Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call or text “REPORT” to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Additionally, tips can be submitted online at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department website.
The CDC previously conducted a study with data collected from 2003 to 2021, which found that firearm use was a leading cause of death among children and teens aged 0 to 17. The study found that one common circumstance involved the child or teen playing with the firearm or showing it off. The study added that the firearms involved in the incidents were usually stored loaded and were kept in unlocked areas.
