Two-year-old Caroline Sparks died in a shooting at her Burkesville, Kentucky, home in the spring of 2013. While their mother stepped briefly onto the porch to clean, the boy picked up the rifle, which the family did not realize was loaded, and a single shot struck Caroline in the chest.

Caroline was taken to Cumberland County Hospital where medical staff attempted to save her for about an hour; she did not survive. The Cumberland County coroner described the death as a crazy accident, and law enforcement concluded the shooting was accidental. No charges were filed, though it was noted a grand jury could have the final say.

The case raises questions about children, access to firearms, and safe storage. If anyone knew the Sparks family or has information about the household circumstances that day, please come forward.