A two-year-old boy accidentally shot his mother dead after picking up his father’s handgun and pulling the trigger in a horrific tragedy caught on the couple’s own CCTV. Video footage showed the toddler grabbing the Glock 9mm pistol from a table on the veranda and playing with it as his parents talk nearby. Seconds later, he fires as his mother turns to look at him.
The bullet struck 27-year-old Deborah Rodrigues Monteiro in the chest and arm. At first, she appeared to survive and stood up in shock, inspecting her wounds as her son dropped the gun and ran to her. Her husband rushed to help and retrieved the weapon, while the little boy wandered away.
Deborah followed her son briefly — then suddenly collapsed and died where she fell. The tragedy happened on Friday night in Rio Verde de Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Local police chief Danielle Felismino confirmed Deborah was taken to hospital but pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Her husband, a farmer, was legally licensed to own the weapon. He now faces manslaughter charges but remains free as police continue their investigation. It’s unclear if he will retain custody of the child or if social services will intervene.
The weapon and ammunition have been seized by detectives. An autopsy was carried out the following morning, but results have not yet been made public.
The footage was captured by the family’s home security camera, showing the events unfold in full view.
The clip has not been officially released but has been referenced in multiple local reports.
Locals have paid tribute to Deborah online. One user, Jota Pereira, wrote: “My condolences to the family and friends. How sad!” Another, Marileide Garcia, said: “My deepest condolences at such a difficult moment.”
A similar tragedy struck Ohio in June 2023, when pregnant mother Laura Ilg and her unborn child were killed after her two-year-old son accessed a gun left on a nightstand and accidentally shot her in the back.
