Benson Royce Jones, a 2-year-old boy from High Point, North Carolina, tragically died on March 25, 2017. Benson was born on October 10, 2014, in Guilford County. He was the beloved son of Marcus Jones and Shelby Fowler, and he had a large extended family who cherished him deeply.
On the day of his death, Benson accidentally shot himself while under the supervision of an adult caregiver.
The incident occurred at his home, and despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. The gun involved in the incident was found near Benson, and it was sent for ballistic testing to understand how the child managed to access the weapon.
The investigation into Benson's death revealed that it was an accidental shooting. Guilford County Assistant District Attorney Walter Jones confirmed that no charges were filed against anyone involved, as the incident was deemed a tragic accident. The case highlighted the importance of gun safety, especially in homes with young children. Eric Hicks, a North Carolina concealed weapons instructor, emphasized the need for proper storage and handling of firearms to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.
Benson's death was a devastating loss for his family and the community. His mother described him as a loving boy, full of energy and with a contagious laugh. The family held a visitation service on April 2, 2017, to honor his memory and mourn his untimely passing.
