A two-year-old boy, Stefhone Christian McCombs Jr., died from a gunshot wound at his Newport News, Virginia, apartment on October 29, 2021. The child was found gravely injured in the living room after a single gunshot; he was taken to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead.

The family’s account and court documents state that the child’s father, Newport News police officer Stefhone McCombs Sr., had returned home and placed his duty weapon on a couch. Later that evening, after the parents had returned from picking up the children, the toddler discovered the unsecured, loaded firearm and accidentally shot himself. McCombs Sr. acknowledged his son had shown curiosity about the gun before and admitted leaving the loaded weapon unsecured.

Stefhone’s death was ruled an accidental shooting and charges were filed in connection with the incident. Anyone with information about the case or who knew the family is asked to come forward.