Mother of 2-Year-Old Who Shot Himself Charged

LITHONIA, GA -- The mother of a 2-year-old boy who shot himself at a Lithonia hotel has been arrested and charged, police say.

Valencia Burks, of North Carolina, has been charged with reckless conduct, a misdemeanor, DeKalb County Police spokesman Maj. Stephen Fore said Thursday.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Police say Burks, who was arrested Wednesday, was staying with her son at the Knights Inn on Panola Road when, at about 2:30 a.m. Monday, the boy shot himself in the stomach.

Burks told police the boy had somehow gotten her gun, which was in her purse.

The child was rushed to Children's at Egleston Pediatric Hospital, where he underwent surgery Monday morning. He was originally listed in critical condition, but police say he continues to improve and is expected to recover.