A tragic accident involving a “cute” pink handgun occurred in Greenville, South Carolina on Friday. WSPA reported that police were summoned to a Greenville apartment complex at 7:30 p.m.

When police arrived at the Haywood Plantation Apartments, Tmorej Smith, 3, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head. Tmorej and his seven year old sister, thinking the gun was a toy, were playing with the gun in a bedroom when the incident occurred. Their parents were not at home and the children were being watched by their grandparents, who were in the living room of the apartment.

The video below demonstrates a customer learning to use a gun similar to the weapon that killed morej. Melissa, the customer, squealed in delight when the gun was handed to her and said “all I need is some accessorized shoes to wear with it.”





Here’s the video:

“If you have guns, if you own guns mostly we would prefer you have them in a lock box,” Greenville Police Media Relations Officer Jonathan Bragg told WYFF. “At least have them out of the reach of children.” (Source)

Local activist Jack Logan, founder of “Put Down the Guns Young People,” distributed 55 gun locks on Saturday at a Greenville Burger King near the apartments where the tragedy occurred. The Greenville Police Department also has gun locks available to the community.

“I didn’t want to see parents having guns laying around when a child could maybe get his or her hands on a gun,” Logan said. (Source)

An autopsy was performed Tmorej Smith Saturday and Deputy Coroner Jeff Fowler ruled the shooting an accidental homicide. No charges have been filed and an investigation continues. It has not been reported which child fired the weapon.

There has been a concerted effort in the gun industry to increase interest and awareness among women. An array of “cute” weapons are available, including Hello Kitty AK-47 assault rifles, a “Lady Di” Handgun, and even a delightful Mardis Gras themed “My Little Carbine”. For the especially careless girl, there is a Care Bear body armor vest.

Want something truly special? There is even a Diamond Anniversary gun. Way to go, gun industry. Death by bling.

I am an unapologetic member of the Christian Left, and have spent a lot of time working with “the least of these” and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. I’m passionate about their struggles. To stay on top of topics I discuss, subscribe to my public updates on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, or connect with me via LinkedIn. I also have a grossly neglected blog. Find me somewhere and let’s discuss stuff.