Markovia Lashawn Durham, 29, was killed on August 8, 2021, in Gastonia, North Carolina, after being struck by a gunshot fired by his 2-year-old son. The child was visiting his grandmother with his parents, found a firearm and, reportedly mistaking it for a toy, accidentally discharged it. Durham was pronounced dead at the scene on West Fifth Avenue after police were called about 8:45 p.m.

The Gastonia Police Department Criminal Investigations Division looked into the circumstances and determined the shooting was accidental. No charges were filed and there were no arrests. Family members said the child did not understand the danger posed by the gun and was very close to his father.

This case underscores firearm safety and secure storage in homes with young children. Did anyone in the Gastonia area see or hear anything that night, or have information that could add context to what happened?