On the evening of February 21, 2024, a 3-year-old boy was shot at a home on Eastway Drive near Bentley Place in east Charlotte, North Carolina. He was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries. Police believed the child may have gotten a hold of an unsecured firearm. His mother, Candise Griffin, age 31, was subsequently charged with involuntary manslaughter and arrested after turning herself in at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
The news article explicitly describes a firearm incident. It states that "the child was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries" and that "officers said they believed he may have gotten a hold of an unsecured firearm." The headline also references a "shooting."
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
The news article states that "officers said they believed he may have gotten a hold of an unsecured firearm." A 3-year-old accessing an unsecured firearm implies insufficient supervision or failure to secure a dangerous item. The mother was charged with involuntary manslaughter, further suggesting negligent oversight.
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
The news article states "The mother of a 3-year-old who was shot and killed last month has been charged in connection with the toddler's death." Candise Griffin, described as the mother, was "charged with involuntary manslaughter," indicating the biological mother was involved in the death through negligence.
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
The news article states: "Candise Griffin, 31, was arrested Tuesday after turning herself in at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police. She was charged with involuntary manslaughter."
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
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