Zy’aire Armani Shields, 7, died from a gunshot wound at a residence on North Glenn Avenue in Winston-Salem on the afternoon of Sunday, June 28, 2026. Emergency responders found Zy’aire inside the home and Forsyth County EMS pronounced him dead at the scene. Police have described the shooting as an accidental discharge.

According to the Winston-Salem Police Department, Zy’aire and another juvenile were home alone when they discovered a firearm in the house. While the two children were handling the weapon, it discharged and a single shot struck Zy’aire. Neighbors reported the other child emerged from the home in hysteria, crying out that he had shot his brother. The children’s parents have cooperated with investigators, who focused on how the firearm was accessible and the sequence of events that led to the fatal shot. No arrests or charges have been announced.

This is a devastating loss for the family and community. If anyone has information about the circumstances that allowed the children access to the firearm, please share what is known.