A 5-year-old boy died yesterday afternoon at All Children’s Hospital from a gunshot wound, according to St. Pete Police.
Ja’cari Ellis, was found by officers at the 3738 18th Ter. S residence after responding to a 911 call in the afternoon, around 2:27 p.m. The boy had been shot and was rushed to All Children’s, where he died from his injuries.
“Our preliminary investigation has so far revealed that this was a tragic accident, that Ja’Cari got a hold of a gun and accidentally shot himself,” St. Petersburg Police spokesperson Sandra Bentil said.
Officials at a press conference did not speak to whether the gun was legally owned, where Ja’cari was shot, and if this happened inside or outside of the home.
The family is cooperating with the investigation.
A family is heartbroken as Mother’s Day weekend began.
“I’m just really sorry and hurt for him being such a little fellow and I couldn’t imagine the pain he felt when that bullet hit him,” maternal great grandmother Peggy Wells told 8 On Your Side.
Wells described her great grandson as active, funny and loveable.
“He was just a real playful young little fellow, full of life,” she said, speaking on behalf of his mom’s family.
Wells said she had just visited her mom’s grave to place flowers and balloons before rushing to the hospital when she found out Ja’Cari had been shot.
“They were saying they were working on him and everything making sure that they were doing all they could do and then they came out and said he was gone,” Wells said.
Head over to channel 8 to view Wells’ full video as she calls for prayer.
“Please pray for my family,” she said, “especially the young people. Please pray for his mom, his little brother. He got a little brother, too, just keep them in prayer.”
Wells said her granddaughter is pregnant and expecting her third son.
