No Charges Filed in Rural Wadena Shooting That Killed 3-Year-Old Boy

No charges will be filed in the death of a 3½-year-old boy who suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a home in rural Wadena late last year.
According to the Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were called to the residence on December 29, 2024, where the child was found with a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to a medical facility but later passed away from his injuries.
Following a full investigation, the case was reviewed by the Otter Tail County Attorney’s Office, which determined that there is not a reasonable likelihood of a successful prosecution under Minnesota law.
Investigators found that the firearm had been stored in a closed drawer in a room that children were not allowed to enter unsupervised. The door had a childproof mechanism, but it was accidentally left partially ajar, allowing the child to access the room. The home also had child safety features, including secured doors and cabinets.
Under Minnesota Statute § 609.666, it is a gross misdemeanor to negligently store a loaded firearm in a way that makes it accessible to children. However, the law also requires proof of negligence—showing that a reasonable person would have acted differently.
The county attorney’s office stated that, given the circumstances, charges will not be filed in this case.
The Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this was a tragic incident and encouraged all firearm owners to follow best practices for safe storage, keeping firearms locked and out of reach of children.