NEW HAVEN, CT – An 8-year-old boy, identified as Stace Zane, was killed in what authorities suspect was an accidental shooting late Sunday night. The heartbreaking incident occurred at a residence in New Haven, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.
According to the New Haven Police Department (NHPD), officers were dispatched to the home around 10:54 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, they found the child lying on the kitchen floor with a gunshot wound. Paramedics rushed him to Yale-New Haven Hospital, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting was unintentional. A firearm was recovered from the scene, though authorities have not yet disclosed who owned the weapon or how the child gained access to it. Family members were present in the home at the time of the incident, but police have not released details regarding their statements.
New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, emphasizing the need for firearm safety in homes with children. “While our detectives are actively investigating the sequence of events that led to the loss of an 8-year-old to a shooting, what is clear is that this was a tragic, preventable, and senseless death,” Jacobson said.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses or those with relevant details can contact New Haven police detectives at (203) 946-6304 or provide anonymous tips through the department’s tip line at 866-888-TIPS (8477). The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not ruled out potential charges.
This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper gun storage and safety measures, particularly in households with children. Law enforcement officials continue to stress the need for responsible firearm ownership to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
