5-year-old fatally shot 8-year-old brother after finding gun behind dad’s TV, prosecutors say

32-Year-Old Father Jailed After Toddler Shoots Another Child Dead

CHICAGO — A tragic incident unfolded when a 32-year-old father, Derrick Taylor, was accused of leaving a loaded firearm within reach of his young son, resulting in the death of another child. This heartbreaking event marks the second instance in a month where Cook County prosecutors have pressed charges against an adult for negligence involving a child and a firearm.

On the evening of March 20, Taylor allegedly placed a loaded 9-millimeter gun behind a TV on a low dresser in his bedroom after preparing snacks for his children and taking a nap. While his wife was away, Taylor’s children, including 8-year-old Josiah Hooker and his siblings aged between one month to five years, were at home.

Tragedy struck around 5:20 p.m. when Taylor was awoken by a loud noise to find that the 5-year-old had accidentally shot Josiah in the back of the head. In a desperate attempt to seek help, Taylor carried Josiah outside, where a neighbor called 911, and a mail carrier provided assistance. Despite their efforts, Josiah was pronounced dead at Comer Children’s Hospital.

Following the incident, Taylor was detained and charged with child endangerment causing death and being a felon in possession of a weapon. Court records revealed Taylor’s prior conviction for residential burglary in 2011 and a previous charge of being a felon in possession of a weapon in October 2022, which was later dropped.

Notably, this tragic event came shortly after another incident where a 19-year-old, Tyler Wright, faced charges of child endangerment causing death after a 14-year-old boy accidentally shot a 12-year-old girl in Wright’s home. The circumstances surrounding this case involved drug and alcohol use among minors and the irresponsible handling of firearms.

It is imperative for adults to prioritize safety and secure firearms away from children to prevent such devastating outcomes. The importance of responsible gun ownership cannot be overstated, especially in households with young children.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.