Heartbreak in Mebane: Parents Charged After 3-Year-Old Dies in Accidental Car Shooting

MEBANE, N.C. — May 30, 2025

A devastating tragedy that unfolded earlier this month in the small North Carolina town of Mebane has now led to criminal charges, as local authorities confirmed Wednesday that the parents of a 3-year-old child who died after an accidental firearm discharge inside a vehicle have been formally charged.

Kaitlyn and Michael Hatch, the child’s parents, are both facing charges of storage of firearms to protect minors, stemming from the fatal shooting that occurred on the evening of Tuesday, May 7, around 7:55 p.m., in a residential area near West Lee Street and South First Street.

According to the Mebane Police Department, officers responded to the scene after receiving a call about a child being shot inside a vehicle. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the toddler critically injured from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate life-saving efforts and rapid transport to a nearby hospital, the child was pronounced dead less than an hour later.

A Community in Mourning

In a solemn public statement released shortly after the charges were announced, police described the incident as a “heartbreaking loss” and emphasized the broader implications for community safety.

“This is a heartbreaking loss,” the statement read. “We recognize the deep impact this has on our community and remain committed to uncovering the full facts with diligence, care, and transparency.”

The child’s name has not been released by authorities, and no further details regarding the nature of the firearm or how the child accessed it have been provided at this time. However, court documents allege that both parents failed to store the firearm in a secure manner, allowing the unsupervised minor to access it without permission, which directly led to the fatal discharge.

The legal filings further assert that the firearm was left in a state that made it accessible to the child and that Kaitlyn and Michael Hatch “knew or should have known” the risks associated with improper firearm storage, especially in the presence of a young child.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

The charges filed against the Hatches fall under North Carolina’s child access prevention laws, which mandate that firearm owners take reasonable steps to prevent access to guns by minors. If convicted, the couple could face significant legal consequences.

Their first court appearance is scheduled for July 3, where they will answer to the allegations and where additional charges could potentially be filed pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Local authorities say that the investigation remains active and are continuing to collect evidence and interview witnesses.

Public Safety Message: Secure Your Firearms

This tragedy has reignited a broader conversation about gun safety and responsible storage, particularly in households and vehicles where children are present.

Law enforcement officials and child safety advocates are now urging the public to take immediate action to secure firearms, emphasizing the importance of using gun safes, trigger locks, and other safety mechanisms.

“This type of loss is entirely preventable,” said one child safety advocate. “We need to ensure that every gun owner understands the consequences of negligence, especially when it involves our most vulnerable population — children.”

North Carolina law permits the prosecution of adults who fail to properly store firearms if a minor gains access and causes harm or death. In many such cases, prosecutors must weigh the criminal liability against the emotional toll already suffered by the families involved.

However, Mebane Police have reiterated that their goal is not only justice for the child but also reinforcing a message that safe gun storage is not optional — it is a legal and moral responsibility.

Community Response

The Mebane community has been visibly shaken by the tragic loss. A makeshift memorial now sits near the site of the shooting, with candles, stuffed animals, and handwritten messages offering condolences and calling for change.

A local parent, who lives just blocks away from the scene, told reporters, “We all feel this. That could have been any of our children. It’s a nightmare.”

Schools and local organizations are offering grief counseling and support services for families affected by the tragedy.

As the investigation continues and the legal process unfolds, the death of this 3-year-old child stands as a stark reminder of the life-and-death consequences of unsecured firearms — and the urgent need for vigilance, education, and accountability.