Eric Perez was 10 when he died from a gunshot wound to the chest after police and emergency services were called to a home on Zelkova Drive in Shelbyville, Kentucky, on the afternoon of November 21, 2021. He was taken to UofL Health - Shelbyville Hospital and later died from his injuries.

Shelbyville police described the shooting as accidental in their initial findings. Investigators identified 28-year-old Treymont Rucker-McKellery as a person of interest; he was described as a family friend who reportedly brought the gun into the house and left the scene with another family friend. After police contacted Rucker-McKellery and other witnesses, authorities maintained the preliminary conclusion of an accidental shooting and sent the case to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office for review.

The community organized support for the family and Shelby County Public Schools provided counselors at the elementary schools Eric had attended. If anyone has information about what happened that afternoon, please come forward.