5-Year-Old Girl Shot At Home Critical, Detectives Probing If Gun Was Stored Properly

A 5-year-old girl was shot inside a South Los Angeles home Wednesday and was immediately rushed to a hospital. Detectives are investigating whether there have been neglect and a failure to properly secure a gun.

The shooting occurred Wednesday at the family’s home in Woodlawn Avenue at around 8:30 p.m. EST. Authorities rushed her to Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center where she underwent a surgery and was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU). She was later listed in critical condition.

Authorities said the parents weren’t home at the time of the incident but the girl’s brothers were present. They said it was unclear whether the shooting was self-inflicted or someone shot her, accidentally or purposely.

"We just don't know if this is a criminal incident, a neglect incident or an accident at this point," Lieutenant Raul Jovel, of Los Angeles Police Department, had told ABC 7.

Neighbor Estrella Galicia said the family was a loving one. "Oh they're loving. I've always seen them and usually it's an older woman that takes care of the girl and she's loving," Galicia said.

"We are really concerned because we've never seen anything like this - any fighting in the house - always normal, happy family I think," neighbor Rosie Antonio said.

Police said parents have a legal responsibility concerning securely placing any firearms in the house, away from children. Investigators from the Abused Child Unit took over the case, police said.