Two-year-old Leighton Allen Owings died at home in Fairmount, Indiana, on December 15, 2020, after a 9-millimeter Ruger handgun he found discharged and fatally wounded him. Born February 23, 2018, Leighton enjoyed riding his Jeep Power Wheel, blowing bubbles, running through a water hose and playing with his siblings, including bouncing on the trampoline and holding his baby sister.

Leighton’s mother was in an adjacent room caring for the infant when the child accessed the firearm. He was taken to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The Indiana State Police investigated and concluded the shooting was accidental; the Grant County Prosecutor’s office was consulted and no criminal charges were filed.

Leighton’s death devastated his parents, David Owings and Caci Seals, and his brother and sisters. If anyone knew the family or has information that could shed more light on what happened, please share what is known.