1-year-old girl found shot to death in Flagler County – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports

PALM COAST, Florida (WESH) – The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a one-year-old girl was shot dead in Palm Coast Sunday night.

According to the sheriff’s office, officers were called to Ranwood Lane around 11:30 p.m

Upon arrival, they found an 18-month-old girl with a gunshot wound to the head. She was taken to the hospital, where her death was pronounced.

Officials said investigators are still gathering evidence and speaking with witnesses and that the shooting may have been accidental.

At a news conference, Sheriff Rick Staly said cases involving such young children are particularly difficult for first responders.

Eight people were in the home at the time of the shooting. Upon inspecting the home, the sheriff said they seized marijuana and a white powdered substance they believed to be cocaine or heroin.

One person has been identified as a suspect, but officers are still investigating. The person concerned was 21-year-old CJ Nelson, who was arrested for violating the terms of his probation.

“We’re not excluding anyone from this house, but we do have a main character that we care about,” Staly said. “We’re going to get to the bottom of this and hold someone accountable.”

The fight for MEPs is about transparency.

“They don’t tell us everything. I hope the Witnesses will come around and cooperate more than they have up until now,” Staly said.

But what the witnesses won’t tell them, the evidence and forensics tell them, Staly says.

The sheriff added that the child “did not touch the gun.”

People in the neighborhood said they were shocked to hear what happened.

“It’s devastating,” said a neighbor. “We moved up north to get away from things like this and we’re moving to this small town in Florida and to hear that’s happening in my neighborhood is shocking.”

Several people in the area said they were shocked to see the lights and police outside around midnight.

“This is a family town,” said Sarah Scott, a local resident.

“This is a tragic situation and we send our condolences to the family and friends of this little girl. “That was far too short a young life,” Staly said in a statement. “While God has a new little angel, we will be investigating this incident along with the DA’s homicide investigation unit until all the facts are known. There is no danger to the community. The incident took place in this apartment building and all persons present or involved have been identified.”

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