Tragic Loss in Kannapolis: A devastating tragedy has struck the Kannapolis community, as seven-year-old Willow Rose was fatally shot in what authorities have determined to be an accidental shooting involving an unsecured firearm. The incident occurred on the morning of January 23, 2025, in the 400 block of Cabarrus Arms Drive.
Details of the Incident
Around 7:30 a.m., officers from the Kannapolis Police Department responded to the scene, where they discovered that Willow had been shot by her sibling. Despite the immediate efforts of emergency responders, Willow was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving her family and the entire community mourning her loss.
Following an investigation, police determined that the firearm involved in the incident had been left unsecured in the home by 33-year-old Timothy Wayne Burris, the boyfriend of Willow’s mother. Authorities concluded that the gun had been accessible to the children, which led to the accidental discharge.
Charges Against Timothy Wayne Burris
After consulting with the Cabarrus County District Attorney’s Office, Burris was arrested and charged with several offenses, including:
- Felony child abuse inflicting serious injury
- Storing a firearm in a manner accessible to a minor
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
Burris was taken into custody and issued a $25,000 bond. His first court appearance was scheduled for January 24.
The Importance of Responsible Gun Storage
The investigation is ongoing, but authorities have issued an urgent reminder to all firearm owners about the critical importance of responsible gun storage. Police emphasized that tragedies like this can be prevented through proper safety measures, such as utilizing trigger locks or storing firearms in locked containers that are out of reach of children.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the lasting consequences of unsecured firearms in homes with children. Willow Rose’s untimely death has sparked renewed calls for gun safety education and stricter regulations to prevent children from accessing firearms.
Community Impact and Support
Willow Rose’s death has sent shockwaves through Kannapolis, and the community has shown an outpouring of support for her grieving family. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the critical responsibility that comes with firearm ownership and the need for vigilance to ensure that firearms are stored securely.
Authorities are working to gather further details and encourage the public to take proactive steps to protect children from avoidable accidents. Educational resources and safety tips on firearm storage are available through local law enforcement agencies.
Conclusion
As Willow Rose’s family and friends mourn her loss, the Kannapolis community stands in solidarity with them, offering condolences and support. This tragedy underscores the need for greater awareness and responsibility regarding firearm storage to protect the most vulnerable. May Willow Rose’s memory inspire change, and may her family find strength in the love and support of their community.