Florida police say toddler fatally shot woman during work video call

Gun used in tragedy belonged to the child's father

Miami Beach police stand by as people enjoy the bars and restaurants on South Beach during Spring Break in Miami, Florida, U.S., March 26, 2021.  REUTERS/Yana Paskova
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A toddler found an unsecured, loaded handgun in an apartment and fatally shot a woman while she was on a work-related video call, police in central Florida said.

According to news outlets, the woman was the mother of the toddler who shot her in the head on Wednesday.

Someone on the video call dialled 911 after seeing the toddler in the background and hearing a noise, Altamonte Springs police said on Thursday. The woman, identified as Shamaya Lynn, 21, fell backwards and never returned to the video call, said the person who witnessed the tragedy.

“Officers and paramedics did their best in rendering aid to Mrs Lynn, but she was found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head,” police said.

An adult in the apartment left the firearm unsecured, police said. Investigators were working with the Seminole County State Attorney’s Office to determine whether charges will be filed.

Investigators said the firearm belonged to the child's father.

Two young children were in the home at the time of the shooting. Both children, including the one who fired the gun, were unharmed and are being cared for by relatives.

Alamonte Springs police urged residents to lock away their guns. "If you own a gun and do not have a lock for it, the police department will provide one to you for free," they said.

Updated: August 13, 2021, 6:43 AM