Boy, 8, fatally shoots himself after his grandmother left him to go spend time with friends: Police

Phillip’e Woodard, an 8-year-old boy in Tennessee, tragically died after accidentally shooting himself, and his grandmother, Gracie Patton Mimms, 48, has been charged with criminal homicide and aggravated child neglect.

According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Phillip’e was left unsupervised at Mimms’ home on September 14, where he gained access to a loaded shotgun.

Mimms is accused of leaving Phillip’e alone inside a room with the weapon while she went out to spend time with friends.

Investigators found that the shotgun was “easily accessible” and that Phillip’e was handling it when it discharged, fatally wounding him.

At the time of the shooting, Phillip’e was at home with his 10-year-old brother and a 16-year-old family friend, who was reportedly asleep when the gun fired. The 16-year-old ran to a neighbor for help after the incident.

Phillip’e was rushed to Vanderbilt Pediatrics, but he did not survive. His death marks the third accidental child firearm death in Nashville in 2024.

The police emphasized that free gun locks are available at various MNPD locations to promote gun safety. Mimms told cops she thought the shotgun was “unloaded” at the time.

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Phillip’e, a bright and joyful student, had recently been accepted into his school’s gifted student program. His teacher, Crisma Carter, described him as a special child who brought energy to the classroom.