Crime
Parents Charged After 3-Year-Old Dies in Accidental Shooting Inside Vehicle in Mebane
MEBANE, N.C. — Authorities have formally charged the parents of a 3-year-old child who tragically died earlier this month after an accidental firearm discharge inside a vehicle, Mebane police announced on Wednesday, May 29.
Kaitlyn and Michael Hatch are each facing charges of storage of firearms to protect minors, following the fatal incident that occurred on Tuesday, May 7, around 7:55 p.m.
Police say the shooting took place near the intersection of West Lee Street and South First Street in Mebane.
According to investigators, officers arrived at the scene to find a critically injured child inside a vehicle.
The child had suffered a gunshot wound from a firearm that discharged within the car.
Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, the child was pronounced dead less than an hour later.
“This is a heartbreaking loss,” Mebane Police said in a statement. “We recognize the deep impact this has on our community and remain committed to uncovering the full facts with diligence, care, and transparency.”
Court documents related to the case allege that both parents unlawfully stored a firearm in a manner accessible to an unsupervised minor, leading to the child gaining access to the weapon without parental permission and causing death.
The legal filing further states that the firearm was not stored in a secure condition and that the parents knew or should have known the potential risk.
Both Kaitlyn and Michael Hatch are scheduled to appear in court on July 3 as the investigation continues.
Police and child safety advocates are urging all gun owners to ensure that firearms are safely stored, especially in households and vehicles where children are present.
MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Authorities have confirmed that a suspect is in custody following a shooting incident at the Meridian Mall on Friday afternoon.
As a result, the lockdown at the mall has been lifted.
The Meridian Township Police Department issued a public advisory just before 2:00 p.m., urging residents and shoppers to avoid the area near the Dick’s Sporting Goods entrance while officers conducted an active investigation at the scene.
At this time, police have not released specific details regarding the nature of the shooting, including whether anyone was injured or the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s arrest.
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the incident and are expected to provide additional information as it becomes available.
The public is asked to remain clear of the immediate area to allow for the ongoing investigation.