The father of a four-year-old Georgia girl who tragically died after accidentally shooting herself with a loaded gun has been charged with murder. Damarkis Perdue is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday following the death of his daughter, Kamaiyah Perdue, on December 29.
According to reports, Perdue faces charges of second-degree murder, second-degree cruelty to children, and tampering with evidence. Police stated that the loaded gun was left out in the open at Kamaiyah’s home in East Point, Georgia.
Officers responded to a call about a gunshot injury at the Martel Apartment Homes. They rushed Kamaiyah to the hospital, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. East Point police emphasized the importance of safely securing firearms in homes to prevent such tragic incidents.
In a separate case, a six-year-old Florida boy, Major Smith, also accidentally shot himself after finding a gun in his older brother’s rental car. The incident occurred on a Sunday afternoon while Major was with his father, Myron Smith Sr., and older brother, Myron Jr. According to police, Myron Jr. briefly entered the house, leaving the Glock 19X unsecured between the driver’s seat and the center console. Major managed to get into the car and access the firearm, which discharged and struck him in the head.
Hearing the gunshot, Myron Sr. rushed to the vehicle and found Major bleeding. Myron Jr. drove his injured brother to the emergency room at Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center. Despite efforts to save him, Major succumbed to his injuries.
Major’s grandmother, Cynthia Rodriguez, described him as a loving and joyful child who brightened the lives of everyone around him. She also mentioned that Major, who was on the autism spectrum, was a caring big brother to his twin sisters. The family has raised half of the $5,000 they need to cover funeral and medical expenses.
Authorities are continuing to investigate Major’s case. No charges have been filed so far, and anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Neal Robertson at [email protected].
These heartbreaking incidents highlight the importance of firearm safety and securing guns to protect children from preventable tragedies.
