Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NJ 3-year-old dies from self-inflicted gunshot wound
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
Published Jun 14, 2023
Modified Jun 14, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
LouiesWorld1/Shutterstock
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
Published Jun 14, 2023
Modified Jun 14, 2023
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A 3-year-old in Trenton, New Jersey, died on Wednesday morning after being found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in their home on Princeton Avenue, according to the Mercer County prosecutor’s office.
Police said they believed the child’s possession and firing of the weapon to be an accident.
In a statement, Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said the city is grieving for the family of the victim’s loss.
“The horrific act calls to mind the seamlessness of gun deaths and innocent children in harm’s way,” Gusciora said.
The victim’s name was not released.
Law enforcement recovered the firearm and an investigation is ongoing, authorities said.
“We are incredibly saddened to hear about the tragic death of the three year old child who lost their life in Trenton earlier today," said Tyler Jones, spokesman for Gov. Phil Murphy. "We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to their loved ones and the community. Gun safety has been a core mission of our Administration since day one, and we continue to fight each day to strengthen our gun safety laws and to keep dangerous weapons out of the reach of children.”
According to a report by anti-gun violence nonprofit organization Every Town for Gun Safety, guns are the fourth leading cause of death for children in New Jersey. An average of 36 children and teens die by guns in New Jersey every year, according to the report.
This story has been updated with comment from a spokesman for Gov. Phil Murphy.
Tagged
public safety
new jersey
Ramsey Khalifeh
Ramsey Khalifeh is a transportation reporter on the NYC Accountability desk covering the largest transit system in the country. He was previously a general assignment reporter at Gothamist and worked on the Boston Globe's metro and copy desk. Got a tip? Email [email protected]
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NJ Transit riders face 5 weeks of schedule disruptions starting Sunday
NJ Transit and Amtrak riders should prepare for cancellations, schedule changes and longer commutes as work continues on the new Portal North Bridge.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. ET
For a Democrat in a traditionally red NJ district, how to woo Republican voters
The first-time Democrat says it’s still “a toss-up race” between her and incumbent GOP Rep. Tom Kean.
By
Mike Hayes
News
For a Democrat in a traditionally red NJ district, how to woo Republican voters
The first-time Democrat says it’s still “a toss-up race” between her and incumbent GOP Rep. Tom Kean.
By
Mike Hayes
2 pedestrians killed in Bronx crash after driver ran red light, police say
By
Brittany Kriegstein
and
Ann Givens
Rain could put a damper on NYC’s long weekend. Here’s when it will clear.
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Holy civics! NYC schools' own comic books in the spotlight at Comic Con
By
Jessica Gould
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .