Two-year-old Zane Sebastian Burgess died of a gunshot wound to the head on July 15, 2024, after being taken to a Simpsonville, South Carolina hospital where he was pronounced dead that evening. Investigators described the wound as a suspected self-inflicted gunshot, concluding the toddler accessed a firearm inside the home.

Two adults who were in the residence were arrested and charged in connection with the incident. The child’s mother, 32-year-old Deylakotia Symone Burgess, was charged with unlawful conduct toward a child. The child’s stepfather, 50-year-old Willie Tyron Burgess Jr., was charged with unlawfully placing a child at risk. Each was released on a $10,000 bond.

The investigation into the precise circumstances remains active. If anyone has relevant information about the July 15 incident or the home’s firearm storage, please come forward.