Police report that a woman in northeast Fresno was unintentionally shot and fatally wounded by her 2-year-old child

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Police now say a woman was killed by her 2-year-old child during an accidental shooting in northeast Fresno last week.

The Fresno Police Department has identified the victim as 22-year-old Jessinya Mina.

The shooting happened Friday night on Fresno Street and San Jose Avenue at the Butterfly Grove Apartment complex.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Woman dies in accidental shooting at Fresno apartment complex, police say

Police say Mina’s toddler was able to reach an unsecured gun inside the apartment.

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When officers arrived at the apartment complex, Mina’s 18-year-old boyfriend, Andrew Sanchez, was starting to take her to the hospital.

First responders then stepped in and took Mina to the hospital, where she later died.

In a statement to Action News, Mina’s sister says Sanchez neglected Mina’s requests not to keep a gun in the house.

Full Statement:
“My sister was a young mother of two beautiful children who deserved the chance to enjoy a long and happy life with them. At 22 years old, she was working towards returning to cosmetology school to complete her education. She was a loving, caring individual who always generously gave to others whenever she could. She played multiple roles in the lives of those around her – a mother, a sister, an aunt, a godmother, a best friend who offered unwavering support to everyone. Her beautiful soul left a lasting impact on anyone she crossed paths with. She had a captivating personality, full of humor and the ability to bring smiles to people’s faces; those who knew her considered themselves fortunate to have her in their lives. Unfortunately, due to her boyfriend’s negligence, carelessness, arrogance, and failure to honor her wish of keeping a gun out of their home, she has been taken away from us forever. Now, her children will have to cherish memories and stories of her rather than her physical presence. We will never witness her achieve her dreams and aspirations because of his neglect. What happened to my sister was undeserved.”

Authorities reported that Sanchez was taken into custody and charged with negligent firearm storage and felony child endangerment that evening. However, he has since been released on bail and reportedly has no prior criminal record.

FULL VIDEO: Fresno Police News Conference

“I can’t imagine this case being a misdemeanor; I would see felony charges in this particular case if that’s the case, and if he’s convicted, it’s 2, 4, or 6 years in State prison,” said ABC30 Legal analyst Tony Capozzi.

Capozzi says prosecutors will have to sort through a variety of evidence.

“If it was a young boy, check for gunshot residue on his hands. So there are a lot of things that need to be investigated and put aside before they actually file the charges, which they think are the negligent handling of the firearm,” said Capozzi.

A gun lock is a simple way to keep your firearm secured.

“When you have it stored like this — this gun will not fire because you cannot out ammunition into it, when you don’t have a lock like this, it can be fired, it can be loaded,” said Fresno police officer, Luke Tran.

This tragedy – a reminder that where and how you store your gun can make the difference between life and death.

“Do so in a manner that children do not access it, and for children that are watching this or that hear that, If you see a firearm, leave it alone, don’t touch it, tell an adult,” said Lt. Cervantes.

The Fresno Police Department also has a limited supply of free gun locks at their headquarters.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help with Mina’s funeral arrangements as well as her two children she leaves behind.

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