Tragedy in Brazil: Toddler Accidentally Shoots Mother Dead with Father’s Gun (video)

The moment a toddler shot the mother to death

Deborah Rodrigues Monteiro and her husband with their son before she was fatally shot

A tragic incident unfolded in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul when a two-year-old child accidentally shot and killed his mother with a firearm left on a table by his father. The heartbreaking event, captured on home surveillance footage, occurred as the couple engaged in conversation, seemingly unaware their toddler had picked up a loaded Glock 9mm pistol.

The video shows the child grabbing the weapon and pulling the trigger just as his 27-year-old mother, identified as Deborah Rodrigues Monteiro, turned to look at him. She was struck in the chest and arm. Initially appearing to survive the impact, Deborah stood momentarily to examine her wounds before collapsing. Her son was seen running to her side in distress, while the father quickly removed the firearm from the floor.

This is the horror moment a two-year-old child accidentally shoots his mum dead after picking up his dad's gun in front of his parents and starting to play with the weapon. The incident (pictured) happened on Friday night in Rio Verde de Mato Grosso in the Brazilian state Mato Grosso do Sul

Authorities confirmed the father, a licensed firearm owner and local farmer, will face manslaughter charges as investigations continue. The weapon and remaining ammunition were seized by detectives, and an autopsy was conducted, though results have not yet been released.

Police Chief Danielle Felismino reported that Deborah was rushed to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. Social services have yet to determine if the child will remain in the custody of his father or be placed under protective care. While the boy cannot be held legally responsible due to his age, he is expected to undergo psychological counseling following the traumatic incident.

Deborah was deep in conversation with her husband at their home when her son accidentally shot her

The community has expressed shock and grief, with residents taking to social media to mourn the young mother’s death. One message read, “My condolences to the family and friends. How sad!” Another stated, “My deepest condolences to the family and friends at such a difficult moment.”

This tragedy echoes a similar incident in June 2023 in Ohio, where a toddler accidentally shot and killed his pregnant mother, Laura Ilg, after accessing a firearm from a nightstand in a room with an unsecured door. Both she and her unborn baby died as a result.

The victim, named locally as 27-year-old Deborah Rodrigues Monteiro, was shot in the chest and arm. Police have confirmed her farmer husband, who had a licence for the weapon, will face manslaughter charges but will remain a free man while the investigation against him continues

The story also follows another unrelated but equally distressing incident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where a six-year-old boy named Oscar nearly drowned in a pool while his cousin, also unable to swim, helplessly watched. Surveillance footage showed Oscar struggling to stay afloat after slipping from a sunbed, prompting a bystander to leap into the water to rescue him.

The Brazilian case highlights the ongoing global concern over firearm safety in homes, especially those with young children, and the devastating consequences of unsecured weapons.