A 10-year-old girl was fatally shot in what authorities are describing as an accidental discharge of a firearm Monday night in Windsor, just hours after a separate shooting incident left a 3-year-old boy injured in Aiken County.
Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables confirmed that Miyah Harp, 10, died from a gunshot wound to the chest at a residence on the 300 block of Wendy Lane. The incident was reported at approximately 9:57 p.m. Monday when Aiken County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they found Harp with a gunshot wound. Deputies provided initial aid until emergency medical personnel arrived, but the child was pronounced dead on site at 11:13 p.m.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a family member was handling a small-caliber rifle when it was accidentally discharged, striking Harp. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner’s Office are continuing to investigate, and an autopsy will be performed in Newberry.
Sheriff’s Capt. Eric Abdullah said that while the shooting appears to be accidental, the investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
Earlier Monday, around 3:04 a.m., Aiken County deputies responded to a report of a shooting involving a 3-year-old boy, Tyson Jones, at a home on Tab Drive, which is part of a small mobile home park at Dry Branch Road and Chime Bell Church Road near Aiken. Authorities say the child found a weapon and shot himself.
Tyson was taken to the hospital by Aiken County EMS, but his condition is unknown. His mother, identified as Innominatus Keke on Facebook, posted Monday evening that her son “will be okay” and thanked supporters for their prayers.
Local residents were responding on Facebook to the shootings with many praying for the victims or expressing concerns for the availability of weapons within a child’s reach.
Arlene Williams saying, “Lord protect the baby and pray these parents understand how curious our children are!”
John Pilot added, “Prayers for the child. Weapons of any type need to be in a child proof lock box or gun safe.”
(If the family of Miyah has a photo of her they would like to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.)
