Shotgun Blast Kills Boy, 3, in Navarro County

Sheriff says adults thought the gun was secure, inaccessible to children

A 3-year-old boy in Eureka has died after being shot by his 8-year-old cousin Monday, the Navarro County Sheriff's Department confirms.

According to Sheriff Elmer Tanner, the child was accidentally shot and killed while inside a shed or portable building adjacent to the family home.

Somehow, the victim's 8-year-old cousin gained access to a 20-gauge shotgun and shot the boy once in the head, Tanner said.

Tanner said two adults were home at the time, though neither were directly watching the children at the time of the shooting.   Tanner added that the adults belived the gun had been secured in a location that was inaccessible to children.

The town of Eureka is located along U.S. Highway 287 between Corsicana and the Richland Chambers Reservoir.

Tanner said the investigation into the shooting is ongoing and that officials have not determined if any charges will be filed.

NBC 5's Scott Gordon and Ray Villeda contributed to this report.

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