Tragic Loss in Kannapolis: A devastating incident in Kannapolis, North Carolina, has left the community in shock after seven-year-old Willow Rose was fatally shot in an accidental shooting involving an unsecured firearm. The heartbreaking event occurred on the morning of January 23, 2025, at a home on the 400 block of Cabarrus Arms Drive.
Details of the Incident
At approximately 7:30 a.m., officers from the Kannapolis Police Department responded to reports of the shooting. Upon arrival, they found that Willow Rose had been shot by her sibling. Despite the immediate efforts of emergency responders, the young girl was pronounced deceased at the scene.
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Following a thorough investigation, authorities determined that the firearm involved in the incident had been left unsecured by 33-year-old Timothy Wayne Burris, the boyfriend of Willow Rose’s mother. The gun had been accessible to the children in the home, leading to the accidental discharge.
Charges Filed Against Timothy Wayne Burris
After consulting with the Cabarrus County District Attorney’s Office, Burris was arrested and charged with multiple 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 transported to the Cabarrus County Magistrate’s Office, where he was issued a $25,000 bond. His first court appearance took place on January 24, 2025.
Community and Safety Implications
This devastating tragedy has left Willow Rose’s family and the Kannapolis community heartbroken. It has also brought renewed attention to the importance of responsible gun ownership and the need for secure firearm storage, especially in homes with children.
Authorities have issued an urgent reminder to all firearm owners about the critical need for proper safety measures, such as using trigger locks and storing guns in locked containers, to prevent accidents like this from occurring.
Calls for Stricter Gun Safety Measures
In the wake of Willow Rose’s death, there have been growing calls for increased gun safety education and stricter laws to prevent minors from accessing firearms. The incident serves as a painful reminder of the fatal consequences of unsecured guns in homes with children.
The Kannapolis community has expressed an outpouring of support for Willow Rose’s family and loved ones during this tragic time, with many calling for greater awareness and vigilance to protect children from harm.
Conclusion
As this investigation continues, local authorities urge all gun owners to take proactive steps to secure their firearms and protect the safety of children in their homes. Willow Rose’s untimely death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the responsibility that comes with firearm ownership and the need to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
To Willow Rose’s family and friends, the community offers its deepest condolences and hopes for strength and healing during this incredibly difficult time.