Foul play not suspected in 2-year-old’s shooting death in Wickliffe

No foul play is suspected in the case of a 2-year-old Cleveland girl who was shot and killed by her mother at a Wickliffe hotel.

“It’s just a horrible accident,” Wickliffe police Lt. Pat Hengst said. “The family is absolutely devastated. Our hope right now is that the family is getting mental health care.”

Police were called to the Econo Lodge on Euclid Avenue shortly before 11 p.m. April 20 after receiving a 911 call that a child had been shot.

Patrol officers, paramedics and detectives responded to the scene. The first patrol officer on scene began CPR, and paramedics took over rescue efforts upon arrival.

However, the girl was pronounced dead at Lake Health’s West Medical Center in Willoughby a short time later.

Initial investigation indicates that the child’s mother was handling a firearm when it discharged and the child was struck in the chest.

The firearm was legally possessed and the mother is a concealed carry permit holder. The mother had no known issues with drugs or alcohol.

In addition to the victim, there were three other children in the room, Hengst said.

A full investigation will be performed to determine whether any criminal charges should be filed in the future.

The Lake County Crime Lab and Prosecutor’s Office assisted on scene during the investigation.