Chowchilla child accidentally shot was son of correctional officer

A correctional officer’s young daughter accidentally shot and killed her 1-year-old brother in Chowchilla earlier this week.

Chowchilla police confirmed that the mother of the children is Erica Bautista, a 16-year veteran correctional officer.

The handgun may have been improperly stored, police said in a news release. Police Chief David Riviere said Friday morning that it remains unclear whether the gun was a service weapon or a personal firearm.

Police responded to a home in the 200 block of Alameda Avenue at 4:48 p.m. Wednesday and learned that the girl had accidentally shot her brother with a handgun. Bautista was caring for her wounded son when police arrived.

The boy died while en route to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera.

An autopsy for the boy is scheduled. Police still are investigating the incident; once the investigation is complete, it will be turned over to the Madera County District Attorney’s Office for review.

“This is a tragic accident that should remind parents to ensure their weapons are secure and out of reach of young children,” Riviere said.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Chowchilla Police Department at 559-665-8600.

This story was originally published January 13, 2017 at 8:21 AM with the headline "Chowchilla child accidentally shot was son of correctional officer."