Girl’s father told investigators his daughter was playing with the gun when she shot herself

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Authorities say a five-year-old girl shot and killed herself with a handgun at a Louisiana home.

'Did a bunch of little kids get shot today?' Stars join march for 'gun sense' Read more

The Saint John the Baptist parish sheriff’s office said in a statement the girl’s father told investigators his daughter was playing with the gun when she shot herself inside a LaPlace home on Saturday morning.

Paramedics took the girl to a hospital, where she later died.

Detectives said the gun had not been securely stored in the home before the shooting occurred, about 9.45am.

The sheriff’s office said the shooting remained under investigation and additional information would be released “when warranted”.