The Hill County Sheriff’s Office confirmed an 8-year-old girl died of what officers believe to be an accidental gunshot wound.
Deputies along with Whitney Police officers got a call about 8:20 p.m. Thursday to a location in the 200 block of FM 1534.
They found the child with a gunshot wound to the head. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Shane Brassell who ordered an autopsy.
She has been identified as Macenzi Johnson — a second grade student at Whitney Elementary School.
The district made counseling available at Whitney Elementary and Whitney Intermediate schools.
Whitney ISD Superintendent Gene Solis released the following statement:
“We are devastated to learn about the loss of a second grader from Whitney Elementary and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family. Additional counselors and support will be available to meet the needs of our students and staff. Please keep the family and our Whitney ISD community in your thoughts and prayers.”
A sheriff’s office statement said there were no arrests made at the scene and that officers not seeking any additional persons who may have been involved in the incident.
Preliminary reports indicated there may have been an accidental discharge of the weapon.
The investigation remained open.
(Information from mycentx.com)
