A devastating incident occurred last week in Ohio, resulting in the untimely death of a pregnant woman and her unborn child after her 2-year-old son gained access to a firearm and accidentally shot her in the back, according to local law enforcement.
Laura Ilg, 31, contacted emergency services on Friday afternoon, urgently informing the dispatcher that she was 33 weeks pregnant and had been shot by her young child.
The Norwalk Police Department issued a statement confirming the details of the distressing event, News About Nigeria gathered.
Soon after, Laura’s husband, Alek, also reached out to report receiving a frantic call from his wife, pleading for him to contact the authorities.
Audio from the 911 call released by the police reveals Laura’s desperate pleas for assistance, filled with panic. She informs the dispatcher of her location and implores for immediate help.
“I’m upstairs. I need help,” she tearfully requests.
“Is your front door unlocked?” inquires the dispatcher.
“Tell them to break in, please, hurry,” Laura implores before succumbing to screams of anguish.
Officers arrived promptly at 1:14 p.m., a mere three minutes after the initial distress call. They forcibly entered the residence, where Laura provided an account of the tragic incident as they administered aid, according to the police statement.
Laura was swiftly transported to Fisher Titus Medical Center, where an emergency cesarean section was performed. Tragically, her unborn son was pronounced dead less than an hour after the 911 call, and Laura was declared deceased at 5:10 p.m., as stated by the police.
Authorities secured the firearm involved, identified as a SIG Sauer P365, along with a shell casing and a loaded magazine.
The Ilg couple informed the police that the handgun was stored in a nightstand in their bedroom. Additionally, a 12-gauge shotgun and an airsoft rifle were found within the premises, according to law enforcement officials.
Presently, no charges have been filed, and the police have stated that they will submit their investigation findings to the local prosecutor’s office.
Norwalk Police Chief David Smith addressed the incident in an interview with WOIO-TV of Cleveland, noting that the residence had several safety measures in place for children, albeit some gates were frequently left open.
“The gun should not have been accessible to the child, although it was left out. Apparently, she was unaware that he was in the room at the time,” Chief Smith explained somberly.
This tragic event serves as a heart-wrenching reminder of the importance of gun safety and the need for heightened vigilance in homes with young children.
The authorities urge all individuals to take responsible measures in securing firearms and to prioritize the safety of their loved ones.
