2-Year Old Child Dies After Shooting Himself In Face

BIRMINGHAM, AL - A 2-year-old child is dead in the Collegeville housing development after a gunshot to the face, police say. The incident happened at approximately 10:30 Wednesday morning.

The boy's great-grandmother confirmed on the scene that the child shot himself in the face, but that information has not been officially reported by police. Angela Jelks Gilliam identified the child as her great-grandson, Ke’Anthony Jelks Jr. Gilliam said the child somehow got hold of the gun and fatally shot himself.

This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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In the same week, a 9-year old in Birmingham died after hanging herself in her bedroom. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin commented on both instances.

“There are no words to express the overwhelming grief a community endures when it loses one of its youngest and most vulnerable. This week, we mourn the passing of a 2-year-old boy from Collegeville and a 9-year-old girl from Roebuck,’’ Woodfin said. “My heart goes out to both families in these tragic cases.”

Woodfin added, “I am heartbroken, and I urge all of you to join me in uplifting these children’s families, friends and their communities. Their deaths come as we approach the holidays, which is when many families and young people gather. Let’s take extra measures to ensure their safety. Our children are our most precious commodities.”

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