New Castle County

Doctors Work to Save Boy, 2, Who Shot Self in Head Inside Delaware Townhouse

Police investigate how the boy got a hold of a loaded gun

Medics performed CPR as they tried to save the life of a 2-year-old boy who shot himself in the head inside a Delaware townhouse Tuesday morning.

The child was found shot inside a unit along Cliffside Court in the Valley Run neighborhood of Claymont, New Castle County around 10 a.m., according to police.

Medics performed CPR on the boy, identified as AJ, at the scene before a medivac helicopter took AJ to AI Dupont-Neumors Children's Hospital where doctors listed the boy in critical condition.

AJ's parents rushed to the hospital to be by their son's side.

Police said it appeared the toddler -- who was home alone with his mother -- somehow got a hold of a gun and pulled the trigger.

"We're not sure the ownership of the gun," said police spokeswoman Tracey Duffy. "We're not sure how he located the weapon."

After the shooting the woman ran out of the home and screamed for someone to call an ambulance, said witnesses.

The investigation into the shooting included if the boy's parents owned the gun legally.

Tuesday night, the boy's brother Dorrell Walls, told NBC10 the child was doing better.

"He's in ICU right now so he's getting better," Walls said.

Investigators took evidence from the boy's home. Other officials went door to door in the neighborhood, conducting interviews in order to figure out what people saw or heard.

"He's a happy go lucky kid and very bright," said the boy's neighbor Bill Jennings. "He always speaks. I feel very sorry for him." 

The boy remains in critical condition. No charges have been filed as the investigation continues.

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