Toddler kills mother after finding unsecured gun in Fresno home

In a tragic incident in Fresno, California, which occurred on a Friday evening, a 22-year-old mother named Jessinya Mina was shot and killed by her 2-year-old child who found an unsecured handgun owned by her boyfriend, Andrew Sanchez. The couple was relaxing in their apartment when the toddler managed to access the firearm, firing a fatal shot that struck Mina in the upper body. Police arrived shortly after 5:40 p.m. to find Sanchez attempting to rush Mina to the hospital, but despite emergency measures, she succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter. The firearm, a 9mm handgun, was recovered from the scene by authorities. It was noted that the weapon had no external safety feature, contributing to its accessibility. Lt. Paul Cervantes of the Fresno Police Department described the tragedy as highly preventable, emphasizing the importance of secure firearm storage, especially in homes with children. Sanchez was taken into custody and charged with criminal storage of a firearm and child endangerment, both of which are felonies. Mina was also the mother to an 8-month-old daughter, raising concerns about the impact of the incident on the surviving children. Jessica Rodriguez, Mina's older sister, revealed in statements to local media that her sister had expressed her disdain for having a gun in their home and had made several pleas for Sanchez to remove it. Rodriguez lamented the loss of her sister, indicating that Mina was a vibrant individual with aspirations of returning to cosmetology school. The incident has prompted discussions on gun safety, particularly regarding the secure storage of firearms in homes frequented by young children. The community expressed deep sorrow over the incident, recognizing it not just as a personal loss for Mina's family but also as a stark reminder of the broader issue of gun safety and education for gun owners. The case remains under investigation, with Sanchez having posted bail after his arrest.