Aniyah Nettles, a 7-year-old African American girl from Pensacola, Florida, tragically lost her life on August 1, 2020. Aniyah was playing on the porch of her grandmother's home on B Street when she was shot. The incident occurred early in the morning, around 7 a.m., when a 5-year-old child found a firearm left unattended by 19-year-old Corie Lamon Thompson. Thompson had fallen asleep, leaving the gun on the ground near the bed.
The child picked up the gun, took it outside, and accidentally shot Aniyah while playing with it.
Aniyah's family remembers her as a bright and joyful child who loved to smile and was excited about starting the first grade. Her grandmother, Katina Nettles, and great-grandmother, Annie Wingate, described her as a good student who enjoyed dancing and telling jokes. The family was devastated by the senseless nature of her death, with her grandmother expressing deep sorrow and a sense of helplessness at not being able to save her.
The Pensacola Police Department arrested Corie Lamon Thompson on charges of culpable negligence for allowing a minor to access a firearm, which resulted in Aniyah's death. Thompson was taken into custody without incident on August 11, 2020. The police investigation revealed that several children were present at the time of the shooting, and they initially detained a man found hiding in the backyard for questioning. However, the primary charge was directed at Thompson for his negligence in securing the firearm.
The case highlighted the dangers of leaving firearms accessible to children and sparked discussions on gun safety and responsibility. Aniyah's family continues to mourn her loss, remembering her as a smart and outgoing child whose life was tragically cut short. The community also rallied around the family, offering support and calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
