Dejah Bennet, 22, was fatally shot on March 12, 2022, in the parking lot of a Food 4 Less in Dolton, Illinois. She was sitting in a car with family when her 3-year-old son found a gun in the back seat and began playing with it; the weapon discharged and struck her in the neck. She died shortly after despite medical attention.

The child’s father, who admitted owning the firearm and was present at the scene, was taken into custody while authorities investigated whether charges should be filed in connection with the unsecured weapon. Local leaders and responders stressed that the shooting was accidental and highlighted gun storage and safety; community members distributed gun locks and provided education afterward.

What information do readers have about the storage of the firearm or the circumstances that allowed the child to access it?