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Detroit mother accused of trying to clean up scene, get rid of gun after 4-year-old accidentally shot self

By Fox 2 Staff and Amber Ainsworth
Published  July 30, 2021 10:26pm EDT
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 2 Detroit

Mother accused of trying to hide evidence after toddler shoots self

A Detroit woman is accused of trying to clean up the scene after her 4-year-old daughter accidentally shot herself with a gun she found unsecured in an apartment.

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Authorities allege that a woman was trying to clean up an accidental shooting scene when one of her children told Detroit police what happened.

Police were called to Harris Park on Tuesday on reports that a child had been shot, but no witnesses or evidence was found. The investigation then shifted to an apartment complex in the 1900 block of Chene.

Original Report: 4-year-old girl shoots self with unsecured gun inside home

Police said that a 4-year-old girl had gotten ahold of an unsecured gun inside an apartment and accidentally shot herself in the hip. The girl's mother, 21-year-old Shamira Houston, is accused of trying to get rid of the gun and clean up the scene. However, another child allegedly told police what happened.

Now, the girl's parents are facing charges.

Jesse Briggs, 21, is charged with second-degree child abuse and felony firearm. Houston is charged with tampering with evidence.

Shamira Houston and Jesse Briggs

"This is tragic for mom, this is tragic for dad, it's tragic for the child because when this is done and the adjudication process is over, we still have a baby that's been shot," said Detroit Police Chief James White.

Police said they are still trying to determine if either of the parents were home at the time of the shooting. 

The girl is still at Children's Hospital and is expected to recover. Police said the parents' other children, including a baby that was born three weeks ago, are staying with relatives.

White said gun owners can get a free lock for their weapon at any Detroit police precinct.

"I'll deliver it, I'll drop the gun lock off at your house. Just call the precinct and say, ‘I need a gun lock, I don't have a ride. We'll get it to you,’" he said.