Fresno Incident Sparks Debate on Gun Storage Safety Measures

Revolvers and bullets on a dark surface.

A 22-year-old mother’s life was tragically cut short when her 2-year-old son accidentally shot her with an unsecured firearm in their Fresno apartment.

At a Glance

Jessinya Mina, 22, was fatally shot by her 2-year-old son who found a loaded gun in their apartment
The firearm belonged to Mina’s boyfriend, Andrew Sanchez, who was arrested and charged
The incident occurred while Mina and Sanchez were in bed in their Northern California apartment
Police described the shooting as “preventable” due to the unsecured firearm
Sanchez was charged with criminal storage of a firearm and child endangerment

Tragic Incident Unfolds in Fresno

A heartbreaking incident occurred in Fresno, California, when a 2-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his mother, Jessinya Mina, with an unsecured firearm. The 22-year-old mother of two was in bed with her boyfriend, Andrew Sanchez, when the toddler accessed the loaded 9mm Keltec pistol. Despite efforts to save her, Mina was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The Fresno Police Department responded to the scene and immediately recognized the preventable nature of this tragedy. The firearm, which lacked an external safety feature, was seized as evidence. Sanchez, who owned the weapon, was arrested and charged with criminal storage of a firearm and felony child endangerment.

The Fresno Police Department says the gun used to shoot and kill a woman on Friday was not safely stored and was found by a toddler. The 18-year-old owner of the gun was arrested.https://t.co/F9UPxEt44k

— FOX26 News (@KMPHFOX26) December 9, 2024

Law Enforcement Response and Investigation

Fresno Police Lieutenant Paul Cervantes addressed the media, emphasizing the avoidable nature of the incident. The police department is working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Investigators are collaborating with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to trace the ownership of the firearm. “This is very tragic, and a very much preventable and avoidable incident. He left that firearm in an area that was accessible to a 2 ½-year-old toddler at that location.” reported Lt. Paul Cervantes

While the incident is currently not considered murder, further investigation could potentially lead to manslaughter charges. Authorities are awaiting forensic analysis of evidence collected from the scene to provide a clearer picture of the events that transpired.

Family’s Response and Community Support

The tragedy has left Mina’s family devastated. Her sister, Jessica Rodriguez, expressed her grief and frustration, revealing that Mina had previously requested Sanchez to remove the gun from their home. Rodriguez described her sister as a beautiful soul whose presence blessed those around her.

In the wake of this tragedy, Rodriguez has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the family during this difficult time. Child Protective Services was notified, and Mina’s children, including an 8-month-old daughter, have been placed with family members.

Importance of Proper Firearm Storage

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of responsible gun ownership and proper firearm storage. The Fresno Police Department has emphasized the need for gun owners to secure their weapons, preventing unauthorized access, especially by children.

As the investigation continues, this tragedy underscores the need for stricter adherence to gun safety protocols and serves as a somber reminder of the potentially devastating consequences of unsecured firearms in homes with children.