Florida mother arrested after 4-year-old son fatally shoots himself

Diamond Phillips, 29, has been arrested and charged with culpable negligence following the accidental death of her 4-year-old son in Manatee County, Florida.

According to court records and a probable cause affidavit, the incident occurred on June 21 when the child climbed onto a kitchen stool and reached into his mother's purse, which was located on a kitchen island. The boy discovered a loaded firearm inside a zippered compartment of the bag. Forensic reports indicate the child likely looked into the barrel of the gun when it discharged, resulting in a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

Phillips told investigators that she typically carried the loaded firearm in her purse without a holster for personal protection. She stated she placed the bag on high surfaces like the kitchen island or refrigerator to keep it away from her children, noting that they were generally not allowed to eat at the island. Phillips has posted a $10,000 bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on November 6.