A three-year-old girl has died after being shot by her five-year-old sister, who reportedly was playing with their father's pistol when it discharged. The incident occurred in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 8.
The child, identified as Olivia Melo Moreira, was taken to hospital by her parents but died despite resuscitation attempts by medics. The parents were woken by the sound of a gunshot and found their youngest daughter wounded.
Father's weapon left on kitchen counter
According to the father's statement, the family went to bed late after a street party outside their home. The girls' mother noticed the garage gate was wide open, and the father went to investigate whether anyone had broken into the property, bringing his pistol.
After ruling out any threats, the man returned to bed, leaving the loaded weapon, still in its holster, on the kitchen counter. The five-year-old reportedly told her parents she was playing with the pistol when it discharged. The weapon belongs to the father, who is registered as a collector, sports shooter and hunter.
Investigation and possible charges
Brazilian police said an investigation is ongoing, led by the Capital Homicide Division, to determine how the five-year-old came within reach of the loaded weapon. Police have said the father could be charged with manslaughter if the investigation concludes negligence contributed to his daughter's death.
The father underwent a gunshot residue test, which showed no gunpowder residue on him. He went to the police station voluntarily to give a statement. The weapon has been seized by investigators.
According to the father's statement, the five-year-old ran towards him and repeatedly told him "Sorry, daddy" after the incident. The father's lawyers said: "At this very delicate and tragic moment, the family has no interest whatsoever in making a statement."
