Elijah Abreu Borgen : “3-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shoots Himself”

The incident occurred in Pennsylvania on March 28. (Representative pic)

A tragic incident unfolded in Pennsylvania on March 28, where a 28-year-old man has been charged after his 3-year-old son fatally shot himself with a handgun left under a couch. According to a press release by the Allentown Police Department, the man, identified as Jose Hilario Abreu, was arraigned on Friday on charges of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment in the death of his son, Elijah Abreu Borgen. He is accused of leaving a semi-automatic handgun unattended and loaded with a live cartridge in the chamber under the sofa where his son and a 2-year-old were sitting in his home. 

“Jose Hilario Abreu, of Allentown, is charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in which the victim is under 12 Years of Age and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of Children; violating a duty of care which creates a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury for a child age 6 and younger,” the press release read. 

The Tragic Incident

A heart-wrenching incident took place in Pennsylvania, where a father’s negligence led to the death of his young son. Jose Hilario Abreu admitted to placing his gun under the sofa where the two children were playing and then leaving the room. Little did he know that this careless act would have devastating consequences.

The police report indicates that the handgun was fully loaded with a live cartridge in the chamber, posing a grave danger to the innocent children. The consequences of his actions became apparent when a loud bang was heard, and Mr. Hilario discovered his 3-year-old son with a gunshot wound to the torso. The gun had discharged, lying on a pillow next to the children.

Legal Ramifications

In the aftermath of this tragic incident, Jose Hilario Abreu was taken into custody and booked into Lehigh County Jail. Bail was set at $250,000 cash as he faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment. The father’s recklessness has not only cost him his son’s life but also put him in the legal crosshairs.

Mourning and Investigation

Following the shooting, the child’s mother frantically called 911, reporting that her son had accidentally shot himself in the chest. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the 3-year-old succumbed to his injuries, and his death was ruled as accidental by the authorities.

A rapid gunshot residue test conducted on Elijah post-mortem revealed a presumptive positive indication for gunshot residue on his hands, further corroborating the sequence of events. The family is now left to grieve the loss of a young life, while the investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy continues.

Court Proceedings

Jose Hilario Abreu awaits a preliminary hearing scheduled for this Friday, where he will have to answer for his actions that led to the untimely demise of his son. The legal process will unfold as the community grapples with the shock and sadness of such a preventable tragedy.