AMELIA COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - An Amelia County couple has been charged after their son was shot in the face. Patrick and Joanna Callaway were served with Felony warrants for Child Endangerment, according to the Amelia Sheriff's Office.
The Callaway's 11-year-old son was shot in the face with a 9mm inside their home Oct. 9. The child, whose 10-year-old brother was also in the home at the time, is in stable condition at the hospital.
Amelia County Sheriff Rick Walker warned that leaving firearms in reach of children was gamble parents will ultimately lose.
"Curiosity will win every time," Walker said. "If you think you've got them hid, I guarantee kids will figure out where they are."
Walker's advised parents to keep guns secured in a safe or with a gun lock.
Investigators said it appeared the 11-year-old shot himself in the face on accident.
"I can kind of understand it because you have to be so careful when you have children in the house," neighbor Beverly Austin said.
Investigators, who reported the 11- year-old's health is improving by the day, hope this will be a teaching moment for the community about securing firearms.
"I feel for them in this tragedy and hopefully they will learn from this horrible tragedy," said Austin.
The Callaways are scheduled to be arraigned in Amelia Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on Monday, Oct. 21.
Patrick Callaway is actively serving the Virginia National Guard. We contacted the organization Wednesday. They say no disciplinary decisions will bear until court proceedings conclude.
Joanna Callaway works at Ft. Lee in the IT department.
