Two-year-old Josiah Williams died from a gunshot wound on Monday, August 7, 2025, after being found critically injured in a residence near 38th Avenue and 44th Street in Meridian, Mississippi. He was taken to Baptist Anderson Regional Medical Center, where he later died. Initial uncertainty about whether the shooting was accidental gave way to an investigative finding that the child had gained access to a loaded firearm left unsecured in the home.

Following gunshot residue testing and other investigative steps, Meridian police arrested 21-year-old Inyizia LaJayila Scott and 25-year-old Martavius Jawon Dean on September 2, 2025. Both were charged with the felony of reckless child abuse resulting in death; police described the case as a tragedy caused by neglect because the gun had been left where the two-year-old could find it. The community has been asked to keep Josiah’s family in their thoughts.

If anyone saw activity near 38th Avenue and 44th Street on August 7, or has information about how the child accessed the firearm, please come forward.