Alexzander Edward Bell Pope, a 6-year-old boy known to his family as Zander, died in his Lohrville, Iowa, home on the morning of June 16, 2023, from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders were dispatched shortly before 7 a.m.; deputies, Lohrville EMS, Calhoun County EMS and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation all examined the scene. Investigators concluded Alexzander had found and handled a loaded handgun that discharged while in his hands.

Court documents filed later alleged multiple children under 14 lived in the residence and that firearms were kept in areas accessible to them, including at least two loaded handguns not secured with trigger locks or in locked containers. In October 2023 Alexzander’s father, Justin Richard Pope, was charged with child endangerment resulting in death and making firearms available to a minor; he pleaded not guilty and was released under supervision. In December 2023 prosecutors moved to dismiss the charges without prejudice, citing insufficient evidence to prove the accusations beyond a reasonable doubt, and no conviction resulted.

Alexzander had recently completed kindergarten, loved Hot Wheels, Legos, riding his bicycle and helping his father with cars. His sudden death was ruled an accidental shooting; no other suspect was identified. If anyone knew Alexzander or has information about the circumstances that allowed a child access to firearms, please come forward.