An 8-month-old named Royal Gordon died of a gunshot wound to the abdomen on April 9, 2021, in Houston, Texas. The shooting reportedly happened inside the family’s apartment at the Waterford Grove complex in the 3100 block of Crestdale Drive near Kempwood and was said to have been inflicted accidentally by his 3-year-old brother.

Four adults were present in the apartment when the shooting occurred; none of them immediately called 911. Two adults instead drove Royal to Memorial Hermann Hospital Memorial City, where he was pronounced dead. The firearm used in the shooting was later found in the car used to transport him. The Houston Police Department investigated and referred the matter to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to determine how the 3-year-old obtained the loaded gun and why emergency services were not contacted right away.

Anyone with information about what happened that day or who knew the family is asked to come forward.