Two Children Injured in Accidental Shooting; Newport Homeowner Faces Criminal Charges

Newport, Rhode Island – A deeply troubling incident has shaken a quiet neighborhood in Newport after two young children were injured in an accidental shooting stemming from an unsecured firearm. Authorities are now pressing charges against a local homeowner whose negligence allegedly led to the tragic event.

According to Newport Police, the incident unfolded late Tuesday afternoon at a residence on the east side of town, where a group of children had been playing inside the home. At some point, two children — ages 7 and 9 — discovered a loaded handgun inside a bedroom drawer. Left unattended and unsecured, the firearm was easily accessible to the curious youngsters.

Initial reports indicate that one of the children inadvertently discharged the weapon, striking both themselves and the other child. Emergency responders were immediately called to the scene around 4:15 p.m., arriving to find the two children suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. They were rushed to Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence, where they underwent surgery and are now reported to be in stable condition.

The Newport Police Department has since launched a full investigation into the circumstances of the shooting. After gathering evidence and conducting interviews, authorities determined that the firearm belonged to the homeowner, identified as 42-year-old Marcus Avery. Investigators allege that Avery failed to secure the handgun in a proper gun safe or with any child safety mechanism, a violation of state laws designed to prevent exactly this kind of incident.

On Wednesday morning, Avery was arrested and formally charged with multiple offenses, including:

• Criminal Negligence with a Firearm Resulting in Injury

• Failure to Secure a Firearm in the Presence of Minors

• Reckless Endangerment of a Child

Police Chief Sean Doherty addressed the media during a press conference, expressing both outrage and sorrow over the entirely preventable nature of the shooting.

“This could have been a tragedy of far greater magnitude,” Doherty said. “It is absolutely unacceptable for any firearm owner to leave a loaded weapon within reach of children. It only takes a moment for disaster to strike. These children are lucky to be alive.”

The case has reignited debates over gun safety laws in Rhode Island, with advocates pointing to the incident as another stark example of why stronger enforcement and education are necessary. Rhode Island law currently requires that firearms in homes with children must be stored either in a locked container or secured with a gun lock. Violations can result in criminal charges, particularly if an injury occurs.

State Representative Laura Pearson, who has long championed child safety legislation, issued a statement following the incident:

“My heart goes out to the injured children and their families. No child should ever have access to a deadly weapon. We must do more to hold gun owners accountable and protect our most vulnerable residents.”

Neighbors in the community have also been left shaken by the incident. Many expressed disbelief that a gun had been kept so recklessly in a family setting. One resident, Jane Ellison, who lives two houses down from the scene, said, “It’s horrifying. We always felt this was a safe neighborhood. I can’t imagine what those poor kids went through.”

As the criminal case against Marcus Avery moves forward, the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) has also opened a separate investigation to determine the environment of the household and the safety of other children potentially residing there.

Legal experts suggest that, if convicted, Avery could face jail time, hefty fines, and potentially lose his right to own firearms in the future. Beyond the legal implications, the case underscores a broader public health and safety issue: the critical importance of responsible gun ownership.

Authorities are urging all gun owners to take immediate action to secure their weapons properly. “There’s no excuse,” Chief Doherty emphasized. “Gun safes and locks are widely available. If you choose to keep a firearm in your home, it is your absolute duty to ensure it doesn’t end up in the hands of a child.”

As of now, the two injured children remain hospitalized but are expected to recover physically. However, medical professionals and counselors are already working with the families to address the emotional trauma that often follows such a harrowing experience.

The investigation remains ongoing. Police encourage anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Newport Police Department’s tip line. Meanwhile, community groups are rallying to offer support to the families involved and renew calls for robust gun safety education across schools and neighborhoods.