On October 10, 2022, two-year-old Israel Omere Whirley died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head in a vehicle parked at an AutoZone at 3619 South Kingshighway in Saint Louis, Missouri. The child accessed an unsecured Glock 23 that had been left inside the car and fired the fatal shot while his father, Darrion M. Whirley, 23, went into the store. Israel’s mother, Ana C. Mendoza, 23, was seated in the passenger seat; police say the firearm was owned by her.

Both parents were charged after an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The case underscores the consequences that followed from an unsecured firearm being left within reach of a toddler. Does anyone have information about this incident or knew the family who can help clarify what happened?