Fresno Police Report That 2-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots and Kills Mother

Fresno Police Lt. Paul Cervantes revealed during a news conference on December 9 that the tragic shooting of a young mother by her 2-year-old child seems to have been an accident.

Jessinya Mina, age 22, was lying in bed with her boyfriend when the incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on December 6, resulting in a fatal shot to her chest, as stated by Cervantes.

The firearm, identified as belonging to Mina’s boyfriend, Andrew Sanchez, 18, was improperly secured, Cervantes reported.

“This type of tragedy is profoundly sad for the Fresno Police Department,” Cervantes stated. “It’s heartbreaking and serves as a crucial reminder of the necessity of securely storing weapons out of children’s reach.”

After the shooting, Sanchez and other roommates attempted to revive Mina at their apartment. They eventually placed her in a vehicle and began driving to a hospital prior to contacting 911.

The police dispatcher advised them to stop and wait for emergency personnel, which they complied with.

Ultimately, it was too late for any emergency measures to be effective, Cervantes stated.

Mina was transported to Community Regional Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly thereafter, Cervantes reported during Monday’s briefing.

Sanchez does not have a criminal record or any affiliations with gangs, according to Cervantes. The 9mm Keltec pistol he owned was found loaded in the bedroom, police revealed.

Authorities were unable to find any registration details regarding the firearm, and the department is collaborating with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

“This firearm lacks any external safety mechanisms,” Cervantes noted.

The gun has been seized from the apartment shared by Mina, her boyfriend, their 2-year-old son, an 8-month-old baby, and their roommates.

Child Protective Services was alerted following the shooting, and both children are currently being cared for by Mina’s family, Cervantes stated.

Sanchez is not the biological father of either child, according to police.

Immediately after the incident, Sanchez was detained by the authorities.

He informed investigators that he “was indeed responsible for placing the firearm where it could be reached by children,” stated Cervantes. Sanchez has since been charged with negligent storage of a firearm and felony child endangerment, and he has posted bond for his release.

Police are currently collaborating with the Fresno County district attorney’s office to ascertain if additional charges will be filed; however, they do not presently classify the incident as homicide, as per Cervantes’ comments.

“At this point in the investigation, it seems to be a tragic accident,” Cervantes explained. “Nevertheless, further investigation is necessary.”

Detectives with the police department are awaiting forensic analysis of the evidence collected at the scene before reaching a conclusion. While this case is not deemed a homicide, it could potentially escalate to charges of manslaughter or involuntary manslaughter, according to Cervantes.