DEKALB COUNTY, Georgia – A devastating incident unfolded in DeKalb County, Georgia, when Lanecia Bennett’s 5-year-old son was tragically shot and killed by his twin sibling after finding a loaded gun in their mother’s purse. The incident, which occurred on the evening of July 20, 2025, in the Village at Wesley Chapel Apartments, has left the community in shock and grief, raising serious concerns about gun safety and the responsibility of gun owners, especially in households with children. Lanecia Bennett, a 25-year-old mother, has been charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to children following her child’s untimely death.

The Tragic Incident

The heartbreaking events began when Bennett’s twin children came across a loaded firearm inside their mother’s purse in her bedroom. Although Bennett did not fire the weapon, police have confirmed that her negligence in leaving the gun unsecured around her children contributed directly to the tragic shooting. The twin sibling, who found the weapon, accidentally discharged it, and the bullet struck and fatally injured the other child. Lanecia Bennett’s son was pronounced dead at the scene, a loss that has devastated the family and sent shockwaves through the community.

The incident was reported around 3:00 p.m. on that fateful afternoon. When officers arrived at the Village at Wesley Chapel Apartments, they found Bennett’s son unresponsive and fatally injured. Authorities were immediately called to the scene, and the young boy was later confirmed dead due to multiple gunshot wounds. Police quickly launched an investigation into the events leading up to the shooting and uncovered that the children had access to the unsecured gun inside their mother’s purse.

Bennett’s Arrest and Charges

Lanecia Bennett was arrested shortly after the incident, and she has since been charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to children. The charges reflect the belief that Bennett’s actions, specifically leaving a loaded gun unsecured in a space where her children had access, directly contributed to her child’s death. While she did not pull the trigger, law enforcement officials have stated that she is legally responsible for the events that led to her son’s fatal injuries.

During her first court appearance, Bennett was denied bond and will remain in custody while awaiting further legal proceedings. The court also addressed the fact that Bennett had prior knowledge of the presence of the firearm in her bedroom, and that she should have taken proper precautions to ensure that the weapon was kept out of her children’s reach.

The charges against Bennett have sparked discussions around responsible gun ownership and the need for stricter regulations on gun storage in homes with children. Many have questioned how a firearm could have been left unattended in a space where young children could easily access it, especially in the absence of safety features like gun safes or lockboxes.

The Community’s Grief and Response

The tragic loss of Bennett’s son has created an outpouring of grief within the local community. The Village at Wesley Chapel Apartments, where the incident occurred, has become a place of mourning as residents and friends of the family struggle to come to terms with the senselessness of the tragedy. Neighbors have described Bennett as a loving mother, and the loss of her child has shaken the tight-knit apartment community to its core.

A growing memorial has been set up near the apartments in memory of the young boy. Residents have gathered to lay flowers, light candles, and leave handwritten notes in tribute to the child. The memorial has become a focal point for those who wish to honor the life that was tragically cut short, while also reflecting on the importance of gun safety in their own homes.

Community leaders have expressed their sorrow over the incident and have used the tragedy to emphasize the importance of safe gun practices, especially when children are involved. In the wake of the shooting, several local organizations and advocacy groups have reached out to offer counseling and support to those affected by the event, with many offering free resources to help other parents learn about the importance of securing firearms in homes with children.

In addition to the memorial at the apartment complex, a community vigil has been planned to honor the child’s memory. Local organizations have come together to host the vigil, where friends, neighbors, and community members can offer their condolences and reflect on the senseless loss of life. The vigil will also serve as an opportunity to raise awareness about gun safety and prevent future tragedies.

The Legal Implications of Unsecured Firearms

The death of Bennett’s son brings attention to the broader issue of gun safety in households across the nation. While the gun violence debate often focuses on gun laws and regulations regarding the sale and possession of firearms, incidents like this highlight the need for safe storage practices at home. Many gun owners may not realize the potential risks involved in leaving firearms unsecured or in easily accessible locations.

Advocates for gun safety emphasize the importance of locking up firearms and using secure storage options, such as gun safes or lockboxes, to prevent unauthorized access. In fact, many states have laws requiring that firearms be stored securely in homes with children, although enforcement and penalties for violations can vary significantly.

The tragedy in DeKalb County has raised concerns over the effectiveness of current gun safety laws, especially when it comes to unsecured firearms in households with young children. Accidental shootings involving children have become an increasingly alarming issue, with a number of recent incidents highlighting the dangers of leaving guns unattended in homes.

In the wake of this tragedy, there have been calls for stronger penalties for gun owners who fail to properly secure their firearms and for more widespread education on gun safety, particularly for families with young children.

Public Awareness and Calls for Action

This heartbreaking incident has sparked a renewed focus on the importance of public education regarding gun safety and proper storage practices. Local community organizations, including Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety, have called for greater efforts to educate parents about the risks of leaving firearms unsecured in their homes. They have also advocated for stricter legislation to ensure that safe storage requirements are in place to prevent further accidental deaths like this one.

In addition, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has weighed in, urging gun owners to take responsibility for ensuring their firearms are safely stored. “It is crucial that firearms are kept away from children at all costs,” said a spokesperson for the NSSF. “We must ensure that guns are stored in locked cabinets or safes, and that proper education is provided to all gun owners on the risks of leaving firearms unsecured.”

The focus on gun safety has intensified in the aftermath of this tragic event, with public officials, educators, and community leaders working together to advocate for change. In the coming weeks, local and national organizations will likely push for legislation that mandates stricter gun storage laws, aiming to prevent further incidents like the one that led to the death of Bennett’s son.

Family and Community Support

While the investigation continues and legal proceedings unfold, Lanecia Bennett and her family remain devastated by the loss of a child in such a tragic and preventable manner. Support has poured in from the community, with grief counselors and support groups offering help to those struggling to cope with the emotional toll of the incident.

In addition to the support from community organizations, friends and family members of Bennett have come together to offer their condolences and provide emotional assistance during this challenging time. Local churches and faith groups have also stepped up, offering prayers and providing a space for reflection and healing.

Conclusion: A Tragic Reminder of the Importance of Gun Safety

The death of Lanecia Bennett’s 5-year-old son is a devastating tragedy that underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and action around gun safety. While the legal proceedings against Bennett continue, this incident should serve as a stark reminder to all gun owners about the critical importance of securing firearms in homes, particularly when children are present.

As the investigation progresses and the community continues to grieve, there is hope that this tragedy will lead to a stronger commitment to preventing further gun-related accidents involving children. The call for action is clear: gun safety must be a top priority in every household, and it is vital that parents and gun owners take responsibility for ensuring their firearms are stored safely and securely.

The legacy of the young boy lost in this senseless shooting should serve as a powerful motivation for individuals and communities to advocate for safer practices, better education, and stronger regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Lanecia Bennett’s case remains a painful reminder of how quickly a moment of carelessness can result in irreversible loss, and how important it is to take proactive steps to protect our children and communities from harm.