2-year-old dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound in Merced, police say. Father arrested.

A 2-year-old girl is dead after suffering a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Merced on Friday.

The child’s father, Zaquan Woodard, 22, was arrested and booked into Merced County Jail on suspicion of felony child endangerment and great bodily injury to a child under 5-years-old, according to jail records.

Merced Police responded to the 1100 block of B Street at about 4 p.m. Friday after receiving a report of child with a gunshot wound, Sgt. Jeremy Salyers said officers. Emergency medical personnel also responded to the scene and attempted life-saving measures. Police said the child was transported to a hospital and ultimately pronounced dead.

Salyers said both of the child’s parents were reportedly inside the home at the time of the incident.

“The family in the home essentially heard a gunshot go off and then they found the child, so they immediately called law enforcement and reported it,” Salyers said.

Salyers said it is believed the child was in a bedroom at the home when she was able to access an unsecured and unregistered illegal ghost gun. Police said the child suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

Investigators are working to corroborate statements that were given to detectives including looking at video surveillance from around the home.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Merced Police Detective Edwin Arias at 209-388-7826 or by email at ariase@cityofmerced.org.

This story was originally published November 25, 2024 at 3:00 PM.