PALM COAST, FL- A horrifying incident unfolded on Sunday night, resulting in the death of a one-year-old girl. The Flagler Sheriff’s Office reported that the toddler was fatally shot in the head at a residence on Ranwood Lane, near Randolph Drive. The incident was reported to the authorities around 11:45 p.m. following a distressing 911 call indicating that a baby had been shot.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officers discovered the 18-month-old girl suffering from a gunshot wound to her head. The weapon used in the shooting was identified as an American tactical multi-caliber assault pistol. The toddler was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
The Sheriff’s Office has identified a person of interest in the case, 21-year-old CJ Nelson Jr. Sheriff Rick Staly revealed during a Monday afternoon press conference that Nelson Jr. was apprehended for violating his probation. Nelson Jr. was on probation for a previous gun-related offense and was prohibited from possessing a firearm as part of his probation conditions.
While Nelson Jr. has not been charged in connection with the toddler’s death, Sheriff Staly refrained from commenting on whether the firearm used in the shooting belonged to him. The Sheriff also noted that eight individuals, including the child’s mother, were present at the residence during the incident. However, none have been forthcoming with information to assist the ongoing investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of the toddler remain unclear, with detectives striving to determine how the child was shot and whether the incident was accidental. Sheriff Staly emphasized that the toddler did not handle the firearm and is an innocent victim in this tragic case.
Sheriff Staly expressed his frustration with the lack of cooperation from those present during the incident, stating, “It would be a lot easier if everyone would tell us the truth and let us know what went on in that house.” The Flagler Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the State Attorney’s Office to conclude the investigation.