Woman faces charges after accidentally shooting 8-year-old to death

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – A 48-year-old woman is facing charges after investigators said she knew about the gun used in the accidental shooting of an 8-year-old boy who was in her care.

A Metro Nashville Police affidavit shows that Gracie Mimms admitted to investigators that she knew there was a shotgun on the night of Sept. 14 when Phillipe' Woodard accidentally shot himself and died was in the room.

Woodard and several other children remained in Mimm's care that day, but she left them to visit another family member when the shooting occurred, the affidavit said. Mimms told investigators she knew about the shotgun in the room where the children were, but thought it was “unloaded,” the affidavit said.

Because Mimms knew the gun was in the room the night the child accidentally shot herself, left out and visible, investigators arrested her on Oct. 2.

She is charged with criminal homicide and aggravated child neglect.

She remains in custody on a $150,000 bond. Her court appearance is scheduled for October 4th.

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