Amor Hezekiah Cureton, a 2-year-old African American boy, tragically died on August 15, 2020, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The incident occurred in the Sugar Creek area of northeast Charlotte, specifically in the 5300 block of Reagan Drive. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the scene shortly after 10 p.m. and found Amor with a life-threatening gunshot wound.
Despite being transported to the hospital, Amor was pronounced deceased upon arrival.
The investigation revealed that Amor had gained access to an unsecured firearm belonging to his father, 24-year-old Antonio Thomas Cureton. The child discharged the firearm, fatally injuring himself. The CMPD's Canine Unit assisted in recovering the firearm at the scene, and a second firearm was also found in Antonio Cureton's possession. Following an interview with detectives, Antonio Cureton was charged with involuntary manslaughter, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and failure to secure a firearm to protect a minor.
The CMPD's Homicide and Crimes Against Children Unit detectives responded to the scene to investigate the incident. They spoke with family members who were present during the shooting and determined that no additional suspects were involved. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with the CMPD urging anyone with further information to contact their homicide unit or Crime Stoppers.
This tragic event highlights the importance of securing firearms to prevent such accidents, especially in households with young children. The case of Amor Hezekiah Cureton serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences of failing to adhere to firearm safety measures.
