Toddler accidentally shoots, kills sister in NE Fresno

FRESNO, Calif.

The shooting happened just blocks from here and police are still investigating how the toddler got ahold of the gun in the first place.

Crime scene tape surrounds this Northeast Fresno neighborhood Sunday and olice were on a tough assignement.

Investigators say just before 11 a.m. a 6-year-old girl died after being shot when her 2-year-old brother walked into the room carrying a gun.

"He was in possession of a semi-automatic hand gun. The gun accidentally discharged, striking the child," Sgt. Stephen Viveros said.

Police say at least two other children witnessed the shoting. They say the children's father reported the incident, after he heard the shot while he was in another room.

The young girl died on scene.

A police chaplain was called in to console the grieving family.

The 6-year-old victim has four siblings ranging in ages from 2 to 15.

"This girl hasn't seen her life, barely 6 years. She didn't enjoy life yet," Mahmood Sultan said.

Sultan lives around the corner from the family, he also has children around the same ages.

He said he's stunned by the news and feels badly for the family.

"It's within their own, that's very tough."

Police say this tragedy should serve as a reminder to teach children just how dangerous guns can be.

"If you have handguns, please secure them. Please secure them, teach your kids about gun safety."

Police are treating this shooting as an accident.

They say the parents have not been charged with any crimes.

Investigators are still talking with the parents, hoping to get more details about what happened.

Several other guns were found inside the home.

Detectives have since removed them, pending the outcome of the investigation.

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