Melina H. Torres was a 7-year-old first grader from Quincy, Illinois, who died on May 20, 2016, in Barry, Illinois, of a gunshot wound sustained at a family gathering near Beverly. Born April 6, 2009, Melina enjoyed arts and crafts, playing with her older sisters, and helping her mother around the house.

Authorities say the fatal shot was fired by a 3-year-old child. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Melina’s death and the investigation resulted in several arrests. Melina’s mother, Karen Torres, was charged with illegal possession of a firearm without a Firearm Owner’s Identification card; she pleaded guilty and was sentenced to one year in jail and two years of probation. Three other people arrested in connection with the shooting were Melina’s uncle Daniel Roberts, her grandmother Julie Roberts, and Shannon Combes.

The case raised questions about firearm accessibility and safe storage in homes with young children. If anyone knew Melina or was at the gathering that day, information could still help clarify what happened.