8-year-old accidentally shot himself after grandmother left him alone to go with friends, authorities say

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) - An 8-year-old boy accidentally shot himself after his grandmother left him home alone in a room with a loaded shotgun while she went to “spend time with friends,” according to authorities.

Gracie Patton Mimms, 48, admitted to detectives that she knew there was a shotgun in the room she left Phillip’e Woodard in on Sept. 14.

Phillip’e and several other children were left in the care of Mimms but she left them alone when her grandson shot himself.

Mimms told police that she thought the gun was unloaded, according to an affidavit.

Because Mimms knew the firearm was in the room and left it out and visible, she was arrested and charged with criminal homicide and aggravated child neglect.

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