FRESNO, CA – A heartbreaking accident unfolded in Fresno late Friday evening, leaving a community in shock and mourning. A 22-year-old woman lost her life in a tragic shooting, with police revealing that the shooter was her own toddler. The incident occurred at the Butterfly Grove apartment complex, where the young mother was fatally wounded in her bed.
Authorities have identified the woman as Yuseda Mina. Her untimely death has sparked a conversation about gun safety and the responsibilities that come with owning firearms. The Fresno Police Department has confirmed that the gun involved was not secured properly, leading to this preventable tragedy.
Lieutenant Paul Cervantes explained that Mina’s boyfriend, 18-year-old Andrew Sanchez, had kept a loaded firearm in their apartment. The weapon, lacking both a lock and external safety features, was within reach of their two-and-a-half-year-old child. This incident has raised questions about how such a young child could gain access to and operate a firearm.
The consequences of this event are far-reaching, affecting not only the immediate family but the entire community. “Tragedies like these leave a lasting impact on loved ones and serve as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible gun storage,” Cervantes stated.
In the aftermath, Sanchez was apprehended while attempting to transport Mina to a hospital. He has since been charged with negligent storage of a firearm and felony child endangerment. The couple’s two children, the toddler involved in the shooting and an eight-month-old infant, are now under the care of family members.
Mina’s older sister expressed the family’s grief, lamenting that her niece and nephew will grow up without their mother’s presence. She emphasized the irreplaceable loss, stating that the children will now have to rely on memories and stories to feel connected to their mother.
The Fresno Police Department has voiced its deep sorrow over the incident, using it as a poignant reminder of the critical need for firearm safety. They urge gun owners to ensure their weapons are securely stored, preventing any possibility of children accessing them.
To all parents and guardians, the message is clear: if a firearm is present in the home, it must be kept locked and out of reach. Children are advised never to touch a gun and to alert an adult if they come across one.