UPDATE SEPT. 8: The Clark County District Attorney’s Office has filed criminal charges against Ronald and Kimberly Whitis in the death of their son, who died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Ronald Whitis is charged with one count of Child Abuse, Neglect or Endangerment with Substantial Bodily Harm and one count of Child Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment. Kimberly Whitis is charged with one count of Child Abuse, Neglect, or Endangerment.
“These types of cases are so tragic, and charging the parents with a crime is one of the most difficult decisions we, as prosecutors, have to make,” said Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson. “Gun safety is a paramount concern, especially when children are in the home. This very sad event is a reminder to us all to never take for granted the importance of properly securing guns and ensuring that children are unable to get ahold of one.”
The couple is scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 5 at 8 a.m.
UPDATE AUG. 2: The Clark County coroner identified the child as 4-year-old Bradley Whitis of Las Vegas. His cause of death is pending.
Originally, police had said the boy was 3 years old before later correcting and saying he was 4 years old.
ORIGINAL STORY
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) -- A 4-year-old child died from a gunshot wound Tuesday afternoon.
Around 2 p.m., police received a call regarding a 4-year-old boy who had been shot in the 9500 block of Chandler Springs Avenue, near Fort Apache and Warm Springs roads.
The child was initially transported to a hospital. Around 3 p.m, police confirmed the child had died.
Las Vegas police said adults and kids were at home at the time of the shooting.
Police say the boy's parents walked out of the room momentarily when the boy picked up a loaded gun.
He accidentally shot and killed himself, according to police.
As of Tuesday night, the parents have not been charged. Las Vegas police's Abuse and Neglect Unit is investigating.
