Leonardo Martinez

Age 3

Temple, Texas

His father couldn’t live without him

Three-year-old Leonardo Martinez died before sunrise on Jan. 19, 2019, in an accidental shooting in Temple, Texas. After mishandling a gun and accidentally shooting Leonardo, his father turned the firearm on himself.

By Sophia Levin · Age 15

Meet the Reporters

Leonardo Martinez

Age 3

Temple, Texas

His father couldn’t live without him

More than 80 infants and toddlers

Damion Little Jr.

By his mother’s side until death

Kyrie L. Johnson

He was only 17 months old

David Jermaine Hall

Empty seat in his mother’s car

Owen Propes

Rosy cheeks, blue eyes. Only 3.

Montreal Dunn

Picket fence couldn’t keep him safe

Paxton Reece Edwards

It seemed like a happy home

Livia Robinson

Sweet Livia’s smile ended while sleeping

Aiden Martin

Cinnamon twists. Play-Doh. Accident. Bloody refrigerator.

Mikayla Alina Walker

Champion won’t lift yellow sword again

Izabella Marie Helem

Brother shoots his sister by accident

Ke'Anthony Terez Jelks Jr.

He was well beyond his years

Messiah Murphy

A wrong turn, a grandson gone

Kayleen Lor

She just wanted to help people

Julien Gonzalez

The youngest infant at his daycare

Unknown

The pistol was on the counter

Moises Ramon Montano

He was resting in Mom’s arms

Nyla Jones

Shot by accident, while with family

Jason Garcia Perez

Three months from his first birthday

Unknown

Ears ringing. Loud noise. Third accident.

Malachi La'Velle Michael Barnes

His mom had birthday invitations ready

Community volunteers

Infants and toddlers

Jokesters

Stories left to tell

Athletes

Diligent students

Artists

Friends

Siblings

Gamers

College-bound seniors

Dancers

Adventurers

Young parents

Musicians

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