Grandmother charged after accidental shooting death of 8-year-old
The woman admitted to knowing a shotgun was in the room but believed it to be “unloaded,” detectives said.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A 48-year-old grandmother is facing charges after detectives said they learned she was aware of the gun that was used in the accidental shooting death of an 8-year-old boy left under her care.
An arrest affidavit from the Metro Nashville Police Department shows Gracie Patton Mimms admitted to detectives that she knew there was a shotgun in the room on the night of September 14, when Phillipe’ Woodard accidentally shot himself and died.
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Woodard and several other children were left under Mimms care that day, but she left them alone to visit another family member when the shooting occurred, according to the affidavit. Mimms told detectives she was aware of the shotgun in the room where the children were located, but thought it was “unloaded,” the affidavit states.
Due to Mimms’ knowledge of the firearm in the room, left out and visible, the night of the child accidentally shooting himself, detectives placed her under arrest on October 2.
She is charged with criminal homicide and aggravated child neglect.
She remains in custody on a $150,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on October 4.
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