Veronica Jean Rutledge, 29, was killed in a shooting inside a Hayden, Idaho Walmart on December 30, 2014. She was shopping with her two-year-old son and three other children to spend holiday gift cards when the toddler reached into her purse and accidentally discharged a small-caliber handgun. The single shot struck and killed Rutledge in the electronics section; deputies were called about 10:20 a.m. and found her deceased at the scene.

Rutledge lived in Blackfoot and had been visiting relatives for the holidays. She held a concealed weapons permit, and the purse she carried was a firearm-specific design given to her as a Christmas present from her husband. Family members described her as a loving, responsible gun owner and she worked as a research scientist at the Idaho National Laboratory with a degree in chemical engineering.

After reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office concluded the shooting was a tragic accident; no arrests were made and no suspects were sought. If anyone was in the Hayden Walmart that morning or has relevant details about the incident, please share what is known.