Caroline Sparks Update: Rifle used by 5-yr.-old Ky. boy in accidental death of sister, 2, was made for kids, report says
(CBS) BURKESVILLE, Ky. - A 5-year-old Kentucky boy was using a rifle made for children when police say he accidentally shot and killed his 2-year-old sister Tuesday.
According to CBS affiliate WKYT, the boy commonly used the .22-caliber "Crickett" rifle, which police say he received as a gift last year, for hunting with his father.
Police say they were called to the family's home in Burkesville, Ky. after the rifle went off and hit 2-year-old Caroline Sparks in the chest around 1 p.m. Tuesday. She later died at Cumberland County Hospital despite hour-long attempts to save her life, the station reports.
Police say no charges were filed, but a grand jury could have the final say.
According to authorities in Kentucky, there are laws dealing with handguns and kids, but not for the rifle used in this incident.
"Crickett" rifles, which are made by Keystone Sporting Arms, are marketed as "My First Rifle" on the Pennsylvania manufacturer's website.
The site features a "Kid's Corner" which displays several pictures of children holding and aiming the rifles, which are available in all different colors and patterns.
Trooper Billy Gregory told the Lexington-Herald Leader that the gun used in the incident was kept in a corner of the house and the family did not realize that a shell had been left in it.
Police say the mother of the children was home at the time and had just stepped out on the porch when she heard the weapon go off.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing and could take weeks or even months, police say.
A funeral for Caroline is scheduled for Saturday.