3-year-old shot himself in the foot at Detroit home, family says

3-year-old shot himself in the foot at Detroit home, family says

Posted: Updated:

By Ronnie Dahl
Fox 2 News

DETROIT (WJBK) -- Three-year-old Marcell Dukes is a little guy with a big smile.

"So energetic. Fun to be around," cousin John Redmond said. "Lost a couple of his teeth, so he [has] this little vampire smile, but I swear the [most handsome] kid in the world."

Family members told us Marcell was in his bedroom with his mother when he got his hands on a loaded gun and it went off.

"I was getting ready for work and I heard a pow, and I heard them running down the stairs. I asked her what happened. She said my nephew mistakenly shot himself in the foot. We called the ambulance. They came," said uncle Dearres Freeman.

It happened at a house in the 20000 block of Forrer Street around 11:00 a.m. Thursday. Three adults and three kids were home at the time.

"My mother [and I], my sister and her three kids," Freeman said.

He also told us he doesn't know who owns the gun.

William Hailey, another uncle, said his brother lives at the home.

"I have no knowledge that he ever had a pistol in the house," he told me.

Detroit Police recovered the gun, but nobody is claiming ownership. Meanwhile, Marcell was transferred to Children's Hospital to undergo surgery on his left foot.

"I asked him [if he was] okay. He seemed to be pretty cool. He wasn't crying or anything, so he took it like a big boy," Freeman said.

The boy is expected to recover.  Meanwhile, Detroit Police continue to investigate.

  • Ronnie DahlRonnie Dahl

  • Saturday, February 23 2013 11:33 PM EST2013-02-24 04:33:03 GMT
    An AK-47, three other long guns and two handguns are now off the streets of Detroit. The weapons were confiscated by Wayne County Sherrif's deputies during a raid at a suspected drug house.
    An AK-47, three other long guns and two handguns are now off the streets of Detroit. The weapons were confiscated by Wayne County Sherrif's deputies during a raid at a suspected drug house.
  • Saturday, February 23 2013 8:56 PM EST2013-02-24 01:56:59 GMT
    Michigan's road to recovery could take a big hit if congress allows $85 million in cuts to the defense department. Tens of thousands of jobs could be at risk in our state, especially in Macomb County.n.
    Michigan's road to recovery could take a big hit if congress allows $85 million in cuts to the defense department. Tens of thousands of jobs could be at risk in our state, especially in Macomb County.
  • Monday, February 18 2013 6:38 PM EST2013-02-18 23:38:52 GMT
    A mother is pained beyond words.  Her three-year-old daughter was killed in a crash Sunday on Detroit's west side less than a block from her house.  The chaotic scene was visible from her front door.
    A mother is pained beyond words.  Her three-year-old daughter was killed in a crash Sunday on Detroit's west side less than a block from her house.  The chaotic scene was visible from her front door.
Powered by WorldNow

WHBQ-TV | Fox 13
485 S. Highland St.
Memphis, TN 38111

Main Station: (901) 320-1313
Newsroom: (901) 320-1340

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices