HANOVER TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Two family members are facing charges after police say an 8-year-old died from a gunshot wound to the stomach.
The Hanover Township Police Department stated they arrested 38-year-old Phillicia S. Brantley for endangering the welfare of children after her 8-year-old daughter died from a gunshot wound.
Investigators say on December 9, 2024, Brantley left her home and her children unsupervised. Her 12-year-old son then began playing with her Sig Sauer P365 .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun, police said.
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While the child was playing with the gun, it discharged, striking the 8-year-old victim in the abdomen and ultimately killing her.
The handgun was stored in a gun case in Brantley's bedroom, but officers noted that neither the bedroom door nor the gun case was properly secured.
Detectives have charged Brantley's 12-year-old son with assault and manslaughter offenses, in a written allegation that will be prosecuted in juvenile court.
