MONTGOMERY VILLAGE, MD (THECOUNT) — Lascelle Lee IV has been identified as the 6-year-old boy who died following a shooting inside a home Tuesday afternoon in Montgomery Village, authorities confirmed.
Lee was reportedly killed following a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his face. Despite life-saving efforts by emergency responders, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene of gunshot injuries.
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Montgomery County Police Department officers were dispatched to the 10100 block of Maple Leaf Drive around 2:45 p.m. after receiving a call reporting a “code,” which indicates an unresponsive person. Upon arrival, officers discovered the child and immediately began life-saving procedures, which were unsuccessful.
According to Montgomery County Police spokesperson Shiera Goff, the incident was isolated and no one was targeted. “There is really nothing that I can say that would bring comfort to anyone. This is a child. This was an isolated incident. No one was targeted; this child, unfortunately, gained access to this firearm, and I really have no words,” Goff said.
There was one adult present in the home at the time of the shooting, but police have not disclosed the person’s relationship to the child. It is unclear who owned the firearm or whether it was registered. Investigators are actively working to determine how the child obtained access to the gun and whether the firearm was discharged accidentally.
The Major Crimes Division of the Montgomery County Police Department is leading the investigation. Authorities emphasized that the shooting is not currently being investigated as a homicide, and no charges have been announced. Police continue to examine all evidence and gather statements from witnesses to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Neighbors described the boy as energetic and playful. Keith Bower, who lives nearby, said, “Anytime I would be out front, he’d be playing with the other kids, riding bikes, throwing football, baseball back and forth.” Another resident, Ameer Ilme, recalled the boy often playing with his pet cat, Maple, and said, “He always used to carry her around very energetic kid. Always used to bike around with other kids. Pretty sad to hear.”
The investigation remains active as police work to collect evidence, interview family members and neighbors, and determine the precise sequence of events. Authorities stressed that this was an isolated, accidental shooting and that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Officials have reminded the public about the importance of firearm safety, especially in homes with children, and emphasized that securing firearms is critical to preventing similar tragedies.
As law enforcement continues to investigate, the Montgomery County Police Department asks anyone with information to contact them to assist in completing the case.
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