4-Year Old Dies After Accidentally Shooting Himself In Publix Parking Lot

A 4-year old boy accidentally shot himself with a gun outside a Publix store as his mother was shopping inside, according to police.

The child has been identified as Miyell Hernandez.

According to a news release, the shooting occurred around 5 p.m. Sunday in Dekalb County, Georgia.

Miyell, his mother, his 8-month old sister, and 13-year-old cousin arrived at a store at 3045 Panola Road, the address of a Publix supermarket.

The mother went into the store alone and the children remained in the car according to the release.

Police said Miyell accidentally shot himself inside the vehicle. The 13-year old immediately ran inside the store for help.

The 4-year old child was transported to a hospital but he later died.

Miyell is remembered as an affectionate child who loved to give hugs and hold hands.

Jose Hernandez, Miyell’s father, never went a day without telling his son that he loved him. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to tell him Sunday because Jose was asleep when they left the house.

Jose’s sister Guadalupe Woods spoke with 11 Alive on the family’s behalf.

Woods said the mother got out of the car Sunday afternoon to get Miyell’s grandfather a birthday cake.

“This moment will forever be remembered as my dad’s birthday with the death of our only boy that we have besides my brother in our family,” she added.

Jose’s other sister, Maria Hernandez, later told 11Alive “nobody knew there was a gun in the vehicle.” Maria is the mother of the 13-year old who was in the car during the shooting.

She stated her daughter merely turned around to turn music on in the car when she heard a loud sound and saw smoke fill the car.

“When she turned, she saw my nephew…she went for help and that’s it. Two bystanders called 911 and by then he was already gone,” Maria added

Police said no charges have been filed in the case.

“Our hearts and thoughts go out to the Hernandez family,” DeKalb County Police Chief Mirtha Ramos said. “We’re imploring gun owners to always keep their guns safe and secure.”

The police department said it will host an event later this month offering free gun locks and tips for secure storage.