SANDY, Utah (ABC 4 News) – ABC 4 is learning new information about the case of a toddler who shot and killed himself in Sandy, including his identity and whether or not charges will be filed.
Wednesday morning Sandy police said the toddler was 2 year old Ethan Hearty from Denver.
His death put an entire Sandy neighborhood in shock.
“It gave me chills, it made me think where are my kids at?” said one neighbor.
“It’s sad. I feel really bad for the parents,” said another.
Hearty’s family was visiting Utah from Denver. While his grandfather and siblings were in another room, Ethan found a handgun in the master bedroom, and accidentally shot himself. The boy was airlifted to Primary Children’s Medical Center, but later died.
Sandy police looking into the case do not believe a crime occurred. However, they are making a report to the District Attorney.
“There’s no charges we’re specifically looking at, it’s just the process that these cases are investigated,” said Sgt. Jon Arnold, Sandy Police Dept.
Police told ABC 4’s Brian Carlson the District Attorney will have the final say. So far, they think it’s highly unlikely the family will face legal consequences.
“What they’re going through right now is far worse than anything legally that could be done to them,” said Arnold.
