Three-year-old Michael Kyron Boyles died from a single gunshot wound to the head at his family home on Garfield Lane in Simpsonville, South Carolina, on December 15, 2014. The child found a 9mm pistol stored in a dresser drawer in his parents’ bedroom; his mother had removed the magazine and believed the gun was unloaded, but a round remained in the chamber. Michael had been in another part of the house with his younger brother when the weapon discharged.

The mother initially thought the noise was construction and discovered the scene after hearing the shot. Police were called about a gunshot victim shortly before 2 p.m. The Greenville County Coroner later ruled the death accidental and prosecutors announced no charges would be filed.

What details might help prevent similar tragedies in homes with firearms?