On the evening of Saturday, January 10, 2026, four-year-old Blaze Rubin was shot inside a residence in the 100 block of Lena Street in Lafayette, Louisiana. Officers responded to a call shortly before 6 p.m. and found the child with a gunshot wound; Blaze was taken to a local hospital and later died of his injuries.

Police say a 2-year-old who was also in the home found a loaded, unsecured handgun and discharged it, striking Blaze. Investigators determined the firearm belonged to 17-year-old Jenarius Johnson, who was present at the residence; authorities say Johnson should not have had access to the gun. Johnson was arrested and charged with negligent homicide and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile. Reports note adults were reportedly home at the time, but it is unclear whether any additional charges will be filed as the inquiry continues.

The community has been mourning Blaze, and the family is accepting donations to help with funeral services. If anyone has information about what happened that evening or the circumstances that left the firearm unsecured, please come forward.