A 4-year-old in Sarasota, Florida, fatally shot himself on June 21 after finding a loaded .380 Smith & Wesson in his mother’s purse on a kitchen island. Investigators say forensic evidence indicates the child was likely looking down the barrel when the weapon discharged and that a stovepipe malfunction consistent with a young child’s handling was observed. The child’s mother, Diamond Phillips, 29, was arrested on Sept. 22, released on a $10,000 bond on Sept. 23 and is due in court on Nov. 6. Advocates urge secure firearm storage to prevent similar tragedies.
4-Year-Old Fatally Shoots Himself After Finding Loaded Gun in Mother’s Purse; Mother Charged With Negligence
Police cars (stock image)Credit: Getty
A 4-year-old boy in Sarasota, Florida, died on June 21 after he found a loaded handgun in his mother’s purse and accidentally shot himself, authorities say. Several months later, his mother, Diamond Phillips, 29, was arrested and charged with culpable negligence involving a firearm accessible to a minor.
Investigation Details
According to a probable cause affidavit filed Aug. 28 and viewed by investigators, deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a Sarasota home on a report that a child had shot himself. Deputies say the boy climbed onto a kitchen stool, reached into a purse that had been left on a kitchen island, removed a .380-caliber Smith & Wesson pistol and fired it, striking himself in the face.
Forensic and autopsy findings reported by investigators indicate the child was likely looking down the barrel when the gun discharged. A bullet fragment was recovered from the kitchen ceiling. Examiners also found a spent cartridge casing lodged in the firearm’s ejection port and chamber — a pattern the affidavit describes as consistent with a stovepipe malfunction caused by insufficient grip resistance, which investigators say is consistent with a young child handling the weapon.
Diamond PhillipsCredit: Manatee County Sheriff's Office
Statements and Scene Information
Phillips told deputies she normally kept the pistol in a small, bottom zippered compartment of her purse without a holster and carried an extra magazine "for protection while away from home." On the day of the incident, she said the purse had been placed in the center of the kitchen island and that the gun was loaded and "not otherwise secured." The affidavit also notes the child’s grandmother was present and reportedly warned the children not to climb on the counter shortly before the shooting.
Charges, Bond and Court Date
Phillips was arrested on Sept. 22 and charged with culpable negligence involving a firearm accessible to a minor. Jail records show she was released on Sept. 23 after posting a $10,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 6.
Preventive Resources
Advocates emphasize secure firearm storage to prevent tragedies like this one. For guidance on best practices for storing firearms and protecting children, see BeSMARTforkids.org and other firearm-safety resources.
Note: This report summarizes findings from law enforcement filings and forensic reports referenced in the probable cause affidavit. Court proceedings may produce additional information.
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