Four Year-Old Accused Of Shooting Babysitter
Four Year-Old Accused Of Shooting Babysitter Save Email Print
Posted: 9:59 PM Jan 5, 2009
 Last Updated: 9:59 PM Jan 5, 2009
 Reporter: Dave Jordan
38 comments
A | A | A

Police say an angry 4-year-old Ohio boy grabbed a gun from a closet and shot his baby sitter.

Eighteen-year-old Nathan Beavers was hospitalized Sunday with
minor wounds to his arm and side after the shotgun attack. Police
say another teen was also injured.

Witnesses told police the child was angry because Beavers accidentally stepped on his foot. Beavers was watching the child at
a mobile home in Jackson with several other teenagers and several
other children.

Jackson County Sheriff John Shashteen says authorities are
investigating. The child has not been charged.

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
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Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Jan 18, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Editor; It has now been two weeks since this was reported. Do you guys have anymore information yet?
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Jan 12, 2009 at 05:46 AM
Editor; Is there anymore information on this story? It would be interesting to know what really happened. It has been a week since the initial report. Thanks
Posted by: T Location: Washington on Jan 9, 2009 at 04:33 PM
This is very unlikey. A house full of teens being mischevious yes but not a four year old.
Posted by: How crazy are the people getting Location: creswell on Jan 9, 2009 at 10:24 AM
The parents should be held responsible for this because they should never leave a gun unlocked that a 4 year could put their hands on. What parents leave guns around the house unlocked haven't they ever heard of accidental shooting. Its really hard to believe that a child of 4 could raise a shotgun and shoot it. I know it is heavy for me to lift up.
Posted by: wr Location: nc on Jan 8, 2009 at 06:23 PM
I talked with a friend of mine who has a 4yr old he is teaching to shoot. He says its next to impossible as reported. At that age a bb gun is a handful.
Posted by: I Googled It Location: NC on Jan 8, 2009 at 10:00 AM
The Columbus Dispatch reports that the boy "retrieved a shell from a drawer in a back bedroom, grabbed a 20-gauge single-shot shotgun from a closet and loaded the weapon ... returned to the living room, and in front of another 17-year-old boy and other children, shot [Nathan] Beavers." "He knew it was wrong. He'd seen guns loaded and shot before, but he's never seen the carnage it makes when it hits. He knows it now," his father tells WBNS-TV. I am not taking up for the 4 year old at all. My sone is 8 and my step-fater got hime a rifle and a 410 before he was 6 years old and my son understands DO NOT POINT IT AT ANTHING!! He goes hunting with my step-father and the only other time they fire the guns are at ranges or skeet shooting. This child knew it was wrong the parents should be held resposible!!! This is a horrid fact that some people just shouldn't breed due to their stupidity!!
Posted by: Cactus Location: Strabane on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:55 PM
Vbush and Jeremy, You got my vote. It is amazing how much respect a double barrel 12 Ga. will get.
Posted by: Bob Location: Belhaven on Jan 7, 2009 at 07:50 PM
The child is a scape goat for someone!!! Unless the gun was sawed-off it would have been taller than he and he wouldn't be able to lift it to fire! I'm not even sure he could lift a .410. To the commentor who talks about a gun being like a new toy etc. ad nausium. I do own many guns. I do not brandish nor brag about them. I have been in situations ( part of my job), where I thought I might have to shoot a criminal and even though it was my job, I did not relish the idea and prayed it would come down to me having to. Luckily I did not have to, but I would not stand by and let someone kill me or my family. Police officers can not be everywhere at once so protection of youself and family sometimes falls on you. Very few law abbiding citizens wish to hurt or kill someone, but do wish to be able to protect their family if need be. Hunters are gun owners for sport ( which I do not do). I guess all car owners are Nascar drivers, duh...have you ever owned a gun???What a broad brush!!!
Posted by: wr Location: nc on Jan 7, 2009 at 07:07 PM
Inside a mobile home? A shotgun at 20' range has no time to spread the pattern if birdshot or buckshot were used. There is much much more to this story than reported.
Posted by: me Location: nc on Jan 7, 2009 at 06:31 PM
i agree - my family is full of advid hunters - safe hunters i might add... my nephews all have shot their share of guns but none have shot a shotgun at 4 years old. my neice is that age now and the shotguns are taller than she is.. i agree with jeremy there is more to this story - the teens are who done it... we shall wait and see...
Posted by: WOLFGANG Location: CHOCOWINITY,NC on Jan 7, 2009 at 03:34 PM
First a 4 year old does not have the brains to load, Release all the safty machanics to fire the gun, select a target, pull a 4 pound trigger preasure, aim and hit a target let alone lift a 10 lbs shot gun. My 6 year old Grandaughter plays with small toys? As I said before who is this kid Dirty Harry " Make my day ". I do not know how many people who comment on here have shot a real shot gun. I am 6 ft in good shape and weigh over 250lbs. Most people own a 12 guage shot gun. My 12 guage 870 Tactical Remington Pump. Puts a brusing on my shoulder. I have seen it knock a 120lbs 40 year old man on his butt. If it was a 410 maybe if it was a 12 guage it would have broken every bone in his body. Someone else I think pulled the trigger,but the 4 year old is getting the blame as a scape goat. Maybe we can get an update?
Posted by: Brooke Location: Jacksonville on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:08 AM
To Chris in Idaho; The article does not say the child loaded the gun or that the gun wasn't already loaded. Where are you getting your info?
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:35 AM
LOL @ AJ......Good analogy! I love it.
Posted by: AJ Location: AB on Jan 7, 2009 at 07:53 AM
I grew up in California of all places, my family are heavy democrats. We always had guns, wether they be on the wall in sentimental value, or in the drawyer to protect us. I have seen my dad use his shotgun several times, all because of rattle snakes. I dont understand how people think gun control is wrong. We outlawed marijuana didnt we? Is there still millions of Citizens using it illegally still? What makes you think gun control is going to stop crime? That's taking away what little fear that criminals have towards home-owners. "Am I going to rob that house with the confederate flag out front on a beat up GMC, or that house with obama/biden sign with a brand new BMW?" The right to bear arms is in the constitution. Get over it.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Jan 7, 2009 at 06:45 AM
The bottom line is...I don't think the kid did it. I don't think he was even able to do it even if he wanted to.....BUT, it could be possible. I DOUBT IT.
Posted by: Coach M Location: RMT on Jan 7, 2009 at 02:09 AM
Ever since I can remember, my father had a loaded weapon in his top drawer. I was made to understand what it was and not to touch it. I did not! But my father didn't do time outs, so I listened very well. This child has been taught what he knew about guns by his parents, had to have. @@@ and the rest, I am a law abiding citizen. What you say makes no since. I do not think it is macho nor enjoy feeling the way I do that makes me carry one. Mine are loaded and in a secured place. But the people that have a weapon for protection that is not loaded and locked are wasting their time. Teach your children to respect ALL things including weapons. Stop using the excuse, they are just children. They learn very quickly so make sure they learn the right things. But, unlike Anonymous, I don't wish like ___ my 4 y.o. would have picked up a shotgun and shot someone.
Posted by: Jeremy Location: Columbia on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:35 AM
VBush, You are right on the money. You know you can't tell these bleeding heart liberals anything. I bet @@@ would have second thoughts if one of these thugs broke in their house (probably a her) and raped her , than beat her d--- near to death or worse. It happens all the time but these bleeding hearts keep right on fighting gun ownership by law abiding citizens. It will be a cold day in hell before I ever surrender mine and if a thug ever trys to break in my home with my wife or myself home I guarantee you will see me on the WITN news for killing their sorry ---. Happy New Year.
Posted by: Chris Location: Idaho on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:40 PM
The gun wasn't loaded... He loaded it.
Posted by: Jesus Loves Me Location: Washington on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:24 PM
I would not feel safe without a gun with all of these non-believing liberals running around. Maybe this child was being abused and decided to protect himself. I will pray for this child that the mistake of others does not effect the rest of his life. God bless.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:29 PM
@@@; I cannot speak for the other gun owners posting here, but unless the subject comes up (like it does from time to time on this site) I rarely mention my gun ownership or even what type or quantity I have. So that point is moot. As far as life 'not being about the ability to kill' as you put it...If someone comes into my home with violence on their mind, it would be better for them to be dead than my family or myself. I would rather be judged by twelve than carried by six. We all see in the news almost everyday stories about nuts and the heinous things they have done to others. I for one do not intend to be the victim in a story for everyone else to read about. So in a nut shell, the ability to kill may very well be what LIFE IS ALL ABOUT. Whether you think we are nuts or not, I don't really care. I would prefer not to have to kill someone, but I would like the option of still being around if the need should arise. So my posts here are not indicators of daily conversation in general
Posted by: @@@ on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:58 PM
Some of you people are so proud of owning a gun and being able to shoot a gun. You are just like a kid with a new toy.That alone is very scary for law abiding citizens. Life is not about being about having the ability to kill. Then you wonder why some people wants gun control. Some times bragging comes back to haunt you.
Posted by: Trucker on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:02 PM
Jail his parents for having a loaded gun in the house.
Posted by: LTJ Location: greenville on Jan 6, 2009 at 04:48 PM
Just another reason why I never liked to babysit! Shot guns. No but seriously, that must be a big four yaer old to operate a shotgun like that. Someone is covering up something....
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:44 PM
ToBeSureNot; You may have fired a .22 or some other small caliber hand gun @ 4 years old, but I'm not buying that you were shooting a shot gun at the age.
Posted by: ToBeSureNot Location: DownYonder on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:57 PM
I learned to shoot when I whas about that age but I've always known what a bullet can do. The parents should be charged! "Its hollywoods fault"
Posted by: Kim Location: Colerain on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:53 PM
I don't for one minute believe that a four year old fired a shotgun. Shotguns kick like a mule, unless this child was the size of most small men, he would have been knocked out by the force of the shot. Someone else shot that kid and blamed the four year old. The sheriff needs to question all the teenagers individually.
Posted by: WOLFGANG Location: CHOCOWINITY,NC on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Who is this 4 year old kid Dirty Harry? I don't think a 4 year old has the intellengence to fire a gun let alone a shot gun. The recoil would put him through a wall. There is more to this report.
Posted by: big bad booty daddy on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:05 AM
ONLY IN A AMERICA!!!!!!!!! MOMMY SHOULD BE PROUD
Posted by: Fields Location: Florida on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:19 AM
It's funny how they are looking past the fault of the 4 year old for shooting someone, but the 4 year old that "broke into" the toy store is getting punished and now they wanna try to charge his parents for neglect...and to top it all off, they got his mugshot on the internet and everything
Posted by: Anonymous Location: beaufort county on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:33 AM
I agree with the first comment. If that child can operate a gun at Four years old then he knew it was wrong to do it. I don't think he needs jail time but maybe the parents do and maybe the child needs for it to be on his record and then if he does anything criminal again then it needs to be looked into further. He needs some form of therapy if he is so angry that he gets a gun just because someone steps on his foot. I mean please pleople step on my feet all the time and i have never shot anyone.
Posted by: J Location: Gville on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:17 AM
Yeah, there are NO excuses for this child. Its the parents that have no idea how to raise him. But of course Jeremy, you might be right about them blamingit on his because its hard to believe unless this child was taught how to shoot this gun, that he may not have done it.
Posted by: VBush Location: MHCY on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:17 AM
A Shot Gun? Come on people! I am with Jeremy in Columbia. How many FOUR year old kids can pick up a shot gun, never mind aim it and fire it at an INTENDED TARGET? The gun is probably TWICE his height. You actually believe he has the physical acuity to pick up a shot gun, aim and fire it at an intended target? Yes he can pull the trigger, but I don't really see the rest of it happening. Something else has gone on here.
Posted by: Barbara Location: Beulaville NC on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Sounds like he needs anger management classes.And his parents need a class in gun control.
Posted by: WHOS FAULT??? Location: GREENVILLE on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:34 AM
Parents letting kids have access to guns; reminds me of the story from last year with the 8 year old and the uzi.
Posted by: Mike Location: Greenville on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:41 PM
You can't be serious? Some idiots put a loaded shotgun where a 4 year old can get to it and you see no fault here except the 4 year old? Every adult that knew a shotgun was within reach of this kid should be charged. Lock it up, store the ammo away from the gun. These are things that are common sense to any responsible gun owner. And any parent knows, or should know that a 4 year old isn't responsible enough to be alone near a gun. They learn how to pull the trigger from toy guns, but obviously that doesn't teach them the consequences of firing a real gun at someone. Unbelievable.
Posted by: Jeremy Location: Columbia on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:32 PM
Watch and see where this investigation goes. If you read the story you will see there was several other teens in this house when this occurred. I do not believe the 4 year old done this. I believe the teens done this and BLAMED it on him. Wait and see ..........
Posted by: Anonymous Location: NC on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:54 PM
I have a four year old myself, I wish like ____ she would pick-up a gun and even think about shooting someone. Not only does the child need a whooping, the babysitter, and the owner of the gun. They better hope CPS don't take the child out of the home. What person in their right mind would leave a gun laying low for a four year old. This child had to watch someone use this gun. What happened to the child safety locks. I would love to hear more of this story. Please Witn keep us posted of what is to come for the people involved in the story.
Posted by: Matt Location: NC on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Hold on a second. Why is there a loaded shotgun? Why is there a chambered round? What witnesses let the kid do the crime? I don't know a 4 year old that could use a shotgun and not get knocked on his butt. WITN: Please, this is an interesting headline but what's "the rest of the story"?
Posted by: MrT Location: LaNC on Jan 5, 2009 at 10:26 PM
This child needs a good whuppin with a wide leather belt. If he knew how to operate the gun, he knew right from wrong. So lets dont hear a bunch of crybabies try and make excuses for him.

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