Woman killed after child accidentally fires gun at East Shelby Drive business, Memphis police report

Incident reported Friday afternoon in Southeast Memphis

A woman died Friday, March 6, 2026, after a child accidentally discharged a firearm at a business on East Shelby Drive near Riverdale Road, Memphis police said. Officers were called to the area around 3 p.m. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said the shooting was determined to be accidental, but investigators were still working to establish the circumstances that led to the child gaining access to the gun and the events immediately preceding the discharge. Authorities had not publicly released the victim’s identity or the child’s age by late Friday.

What is known, and what remains under investigation

Based on information released by police, the fatal shot occurred inside or at a business location rather than a private residence. Police have not said where the firearm was stored before the shooting, who owned it, or whether the gun was secured with a lock or stored in a container. Investigators also have not said whether any adult supervision was present at the moment the gun fired.

Memphis police emphasized that the investigation remained active, indicating that detectives were still collecting witness statements and other evidence to clarify how the incident unfolded.

Safety guidance highlighted after the shooting

In a public safety message following the incident, Memphis police reiterated established safe-storage practices intended to reduce the risk of accidental shootings involving children. The department advised residents to lock and secure firearms using a safe, lockbox, or trigger or cable lock; to store firearms unloaded when not in use; and to store ammunition separately whenever possible.

Police also urged gun owners not to leave firearms unattended in locations accessible to children or unauthorized individuals and to secure firearms in vehicles using a lockbox rather than leaving a weapon loose inside a car.

• Lock firearms in a safe or lockbox, or use a trigger/cable lock.
• Keep guns unloaded when not in use and store ammunition separately when possible.
• Do not leave firearms accessible to children or unsecured in vehicles.
• Teach children: stop, don’t touch, leave the area, and tell an adult if they find a gun.

Police said free gun locks are available at Memphis police stations while supplies last.

Why the case draws attention in a broader context

The death underscores a recurring public-safety problem: when a child encounters an unsecured or otherwise accessible firearm, a moment of handling can turn lethal within seconds. In this case, investigators have not yet detailed how access occurred, making the method of storage and the chain of custody key issues for detectives to resolve.

Police said they will continue investigating and have not announced any charges or enforcement action connected to the incident as of Friday evening.

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation can contact Memphis police through established reporting channels.