Three-Year-Old Erin Myers Died After Authorities Said He Found an Unattended Firearm Inside a Columbia, South Carolina, Apartment
A South Carolina family is mourning 3-year-old Erin Myers after authorities said the boy found an unattended gun and fatally shot himself inside an apartment.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:40 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, on Bailey Street near The Colony apartments in Columbia. Richland County deputies responding to the residence found Erin suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body.
Emergency responders transported him to a hospital, where he later died. The Richland County Coroner’s Office publicly identified the child Friday.
Uncle Accused of Leaving Firearm Unattended
Investigators said Erin gained access to a gun allegedly left unattended by his uncle, 21-year-old Tyrone Thompson Jr.
Columbia Police Deputy Chief Melron Kelly said Thompson was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a previous felony conviction in South Carolina.
“He had no business with a weapon. He’d already been convicted of a felony in the state,” Kelly said, according to WIS News 10 reporting published by WLBT.
Police said Thompson did not remain at the apartment to assist the injured child. Authorities allege that he took the firearm, fled the scene and later disposed of the weapon.
Erin’s parents were inside the residence when the shooting occurred but were in another room, according to police. They called 911 after discovering what had happened. Kelly said investigators do not believe the parents were involved in possessing the gun.
Thompson Receives $250,000 Bond
Thompson was charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. A judge granted him a $250,000 bond with conditions that include electronic monitoring and a prohibition against possessing firearms if he is released.
Authorities said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
The shooting left residents at The Colony apartments shaken. Witnesses described a chaotic and traumatic scene as Erin’s mother grieved the loss of her son.
Family Remembers Erin’s Love and Smiles
Erin’s family later gathered at the apartment complex for a balloon release in his memory. Balloons, candles and dinosaur toys were placed outside the apartment as part of a memorial honoring the toddler.
“We are devastated by this loss, and our hearts ache for the life that was taken too soon,” the family said in a statement shared with WIS. “At the same time, we are deeply grateful for every memory, every smile, every moment of love, and every beautiful part of Erin that will remain with us forever.”
The case underscores the potentially deadly consequences of leaving a loaded firearm where a young child can reach it. The investigation remains active.
