ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (AP/LEX 18) – A coroner says a 6-year-old Kentucky boy died of an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Hardin County Coroner William Lee told The News-Enterprise said Malachi Fryer was hit with a single shot to the head inside his home Tuesday. An autopsy was performed Wednesday in Louisville.
Hardin County Sheriff John Ward said the child and his mother were at home when 30-year-old Jacory Williams of Radcliff arrived around 4 a.m. with a bag containing a video game system and a handgun. Ward said the child woke, grabbed the handgun, went into his bedroom and pulled the trigger.
Williams was arrested Tuesday and charged with possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. He was in jail Wednesday, and online records didn’t list an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
"The students and staff of Hardin County Schools and New Highland Elementary School have endured tragic loss. We have learned that New Highland first grader Malachi Fryer tragically passed away early Tuesday morning. There are certainly lots of broken hearts at New Highland and across the district. A student’s death always brings sadness. However, the loss of such a young child in this horrific manner ripples through our district family. We have survived tragedy before and we will this time. While spirits are burdened with unspeakable pain, our students and staff will persevere. We ask the members of our community and members of our district family to keep Malachi’s family in your thoughts.” said Hardin County Schools Superintendent Teresa Morgan.
Information from: The News-Enterprise, http://www.thenewsenterprise.com
