Fresno Incident Sparks Urgent Debate on Implementing Gun Safety Reforms

Revolvers and bullets on a dark surface.

A tragic incident in Fresno, California, where a 2-year-old accidentally shot and killed his mother, has reignited discussions on gun safety and responsible firearm ownership.

At a Glance

Jessinya Mina, 22, was fatally shot by her 2-year-old son in their Fresno apartment
The unsecured firearm belonged to Mina’s boyfriend, Andrew Sanchez
Sanchez was arrested and charged with criminal storage of a firearm and child endangerment
The incident has been described by police as “preventable” due to improper gun storage
Authorities emphasize the importance of responsible firearm ownership to prevent such tragedies

Tragic Incident Details

The shooting occurred in a Northern California apartment while Jessinya Mina and her boyfriend, Andrew Sanchez, were in bed. The couple’s 2-year-old son gained access to Sanchez’s unsecured 9mm Keltec pistol, which lacked an external safety feature. The toddler discharged the weapon, fatally wounding his mother.

Mina, also a mother to an 8-month-old daughter, was rushed to the hospital by Sanchez and roommates. Despite their efforts and those of emergency responders, she was pronounced dead upon arrival. The incident has left the community in shock and raised serious questions about gun safety practices in homes with children.

The Fresno Police Department says the gun used to shoot and kill a woman on Friday was not safely stored and was found by a toddler. The 18-year-old owner of the gun was arrested.https://t.co/F9UPxEt44k

— FOX26 News (@KMPHFOX26) December 9, 2024

Legal Consequences and Investigation

Following the incident, Andrew Sanchez was arrested and charged with criminal storage of a firearm and child endangerment. Although he has no prior criminal history, the severity of the charges reflects the gravity of the situation. Sanchez has since posted bail and been released, but the investigation is ongoing. “This is very tragic, and a very much preventable and avoidable incident. He left that firearm in an area that was accessible to a 2 ½-year-old toddler at that location.” reported Lt. Paul Cervantes.

Authorities are working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to trace the firearm’s ownership. While the incident is not currently considered murder, further investigation could potentially lead to manslaughter charges. Police are awaiting forensic analysis of evidence from the scene to complete their investigation.

Family’s Response and Community Impact

Mina’s sister, Jessica Rodriguez, has been vocal about the tragedy, criticizing Sanchez for ignoring Mina’s requests to remove the gun from their home. Rodriguez described her sister as a “beautiful soul” and has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the family during this difficult time.

Child Protective Services has been notified, and Mina’s children have been placed with her family. The community has rallied around the family, offering support and calling for increased awareness about gun safety in homes with children.

Call for Responsible Gun Ownership

The Fresno Police Department has used this tragic incident to emphasize the critical importance of proper firearm storage. They stress that such incidents are entirely preventable when gun owners take appropriate safety measures.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with gun ownership. It underscores the need for strict adherence to safety protocols, especially in households with young children. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that this tragedy will lead to increased awareness and more stringent practices among gun owners to prevent similar incidents in the future.