On the morning of September 3, 2021, 38-year-old Michele Cox of Casa Grande, Arizona, died after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest. She lived in an apartment with her four sons, ages four to twelve, and her 40-year-old boyfriend. Emergency crews airlifted Cox to a hospital in Chandler, where she was later pronounced dead.

Investigators believe the shooting was accidental and say the 5-year-old son somehow gained access to a handgun and unintentionally shot his mother. A handgun was recovered at the scene; initial reports did not identify the weapon’s owner. The Casa Grande Police Department opened an investigation and was consulting with the Pinal County Attorney’s Office to determine whether criminal negligence played a role. No arrests were announced at the time of reporting.

Michele’s brother described her as giving and loving, and the family was left devastated by her sudden death. Does anyone have information about the case or the circumstances that led to the child finding the firearm?