Police Investigate Non-Intentional Shooting Death of 2-Year-Old in Columbus

Child Killed in Non-Intentional Shooting in Columbus Home

A 2-year-old girl, identified by police as Va'Nyiah Mason, was fatally shot on Monday night inside a home on East Long Street in Columbus, Ohio, according to the Columbus Division of Police.

Officers with the Columbus Division of Police responded to the East Long Street residence at around 8:30 p.m. on Monday after receiving a report of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found the child suffering from a gunshot wound.

Police stated that the girl was transported to a local hospital. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital. In a news release, investigators described the incident as a "non-intentional shooting between persons inside the residence."

Investigators Examine How Firearm Was Accessed

Detectives are investigating how the firearm involved in the shooting was accessed. The Columbus Division of Police reported that this question is a focus of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances inside the East Long Street home.

As of Tuesday evening, police said no charges had been filed in connection with the shooting. The case remains under active investigation by the department.

Lead Detective and Contact Information

Columbus police identified Detective Kindler as the lead detective on the case. Detective Kindler is being assisted by Detective Yoder in the investigation, according to the department.

Police requested that anyone with information about the shooting contact Detective Kindler at 614-645-3750, the Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730, or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.

National Data on Unintentional Firearm Deaths Among Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among children and adolescents aged 1 to 17 years old. According to the CDC, firearms are a leading cause of injury in this age group, and approximately one-half of unintentional firearm deaths among children and adolescents occur at their home.

A CDC report states that unintentional firearm injury deaths of children are preventable.