What was supposed to be a milestone 16th birthday in southeast Memphis turned into a family’s worst nightmare when a gun fired by a four-year-old boy killed his mother, according to relatives. The shooting cut the celebration short and has now become the focus of an active police investigation.
Family members identified the victim as 33-year-old Ashley Kimmons, according to WREG. Kimmons’ mother, Carolyn Hamer, told the outlet she first learned of her daughter’s death through social media. Relatives said they have launched a GoFundMe to help pay for funeral expenses and support Kimmons’ children.
The shooting happened around 3 p.m. last Friday at a business on East Shelby Drive near Riverdale Road, as reported by Action News 5. Memphis police said the gun discharged accidentally and used the case to again urge residents to keep firearms locked, store guns unloaded, and keep ammunition separate. The department also noted that free gun locks are available at local police stations while supplies last…