19-Year-Old Killed in Accidental Shooting by Toddler in Hiram Home

A 19-year-old man was fatally shot Monday morning, June 23, in what authorities believe was an accidental shooting involving a three-year-old child.

Deputies with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office responded shortly after 7:00 a.m. to a report of a shooting at a residence located at 63 Eagles Nest Drive in Hiram. Upon arrival, deputies found the victim with a gunshot wound and immediately began life-saving efforts until Fire and EMS personnel arrived. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to detectives, multiple people were asleep inside the home at the time. Preliminary findings indicate that a three-year-old child found a firearm and accidentally discharged it, striking the 19-year-old while he was sleeping.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at (770) 443-3047 or submit a tip through the Paulding Sheriff Mobile App.