In a harrowing incident in east-central Florida, twin boys aged four were rushed to hospital on Saturday after being shot inside their family home. Authorities say the children found a handgun hidden under a couch cushion and at least one sustained serious injuries. Both parents have been arrested and face criminal charges as investigators look into the tragic event.
Parents Face Charges After Firearm Left Accessible
Law-enforcement officials say that the shooting occurred in a residence on Calais Circle in the county north of Lake Underhill Road. Deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded after the children were brought to the hospital by their parents. Both children were reported to be in critical condition, with one having undergone surgery.
The mother, aged 39, has been charged with two counts of child neglect with great bodily harm. She reportedly admitted in an affidavit that she may have left a handgun unsecured under a couch cushion the previous evening.
The father, aged 40, was arrested on a separate charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Both parents remain behind bars with no contact ordered between them for the time being.
Children’s Injuries, and the Hidden Gun, Raise Safety Alarms
According to the statements given to police, the parents heard a loud “pop” inside the home and discovered one of the boys with a gunshot wound. The second child was later found to have also been shot.
Investigators say that the weapon – a handgun – was reportedly stored under a living-room cushion, accessible to the children. At the time of the incident, the two boys had three other siblings in the home.
Neighbours and community advocates say the episode underscores the grave consequences when firearms aren’t properly locked and children gain access. It serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility gun owners have when children are present.
What Comes Next – Legal Proceedings and Safety Review
As the legal process unfolds, prosecutors will likely focus on whether the firearm owner’s conduct amounted to criminal negligence given the children’s access. The mother’s neglect charge and the father’s prior conviction on firearms possession give authorities a stronger case. Meanwhile, the twins remain hospitalized and under medical care.
In parallel, local child-safety officials are expected to use the case as a teaching point about storing weapons safely, using locks and safes, and keeping children away from loaded firearms. The incident offers a fresh warning to families across the region about the hidden dangers of unsecured guns in homes with young children.
