Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Mother accidently shot and killed by two-year-old son while driving

The toddler picked up the gun while sitting in the back of a car after it fell from under driver’s seat

Alexandra Sims
Thursday 28 April 2016 13:16 BST
Comments
Patrice Price is seen in an undated photo provided by her father,
Patrice Price is seen in an undated photo provided by her father, (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A mother has died after being accidently shot by her two-year-old son while driving on a US highway when he found a gun in the car.

Patrice Price, of Milwaukee, was fatally shot once in the back on Tuesday, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office said.

The toddler, who was sitting in the backseat, picked up the gun after it fell from under driver’s seat, firing it through the front seat and hitting the 26-year-old.

A .40-callibre gun was recovered from the car floor behind the driver’s seat.

The gun is believed to have belonged to Ms Price’s boyfriend, whose car she was driving at the time of the incident. The victim’s boyfriend is understood to be a security officer and his gun belt was also found in the car, according to police.

Officers performed CPR on Ms Price after the shooting until paramedics arrived; she later died at the scene.

Andre Price holds a photo of his daughter in his Milwaukee home
Andre Price holds a photo of his daughter in his Milwaukee home (AP)

Ms Price’s mother and her one-year-old son were also in the car at the time, sitting in the front passenger seat.

Officials said the two-year-old boy was not riding in a car seat, a police statement did not mention if he was wearing a seatbelt.

Ms Price’s 28-year-old brother, Antonio Price, described his sister as “the best mom”.

Her father, Andre Price, said the family will focus on funeral arrangements and will need help with the costs. He said Ms Price also has an older daughter.

Police declined to comment on whether the case was being investigated as a potential crime.

It is not clear if Ms Price’s boyfriend will be charged in connection with the incident. He has not been arrested.

The incident comes less than two months after a mother in Florida was shot by her toddler while sitting in the driver’s seat of her car.

Jamie Gilt, 31, who is an outspoken and high-profile pro-gun activist, survived the shooting and faced criminal charges in relation to the incident.

Authorities said at the time they were also carrying out investigations relating to the child’s welfare in light of the incident.

Additional reporting by Associated Press

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in