Victoria Irene Whitehurst, a six-year-old girl from Pinetown, North Carolina, tragically lost her life on January 3, 2017, due to an accidental shooting. Victoria, who was visiting her relatives, was in the company of her 11-year-old cousin and another 12-year-old girl when the incident occurred. The 11-year-old boy was showing off a shotgun he had received as a Christmas present when the gun accidentally discharged, fatally wounding Victoria. The incident also resulted in minor injuries to a family dog.
Following the tragic event, the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation, which revealed that the firearms in the household were not properly stored, making them easily accessible to the children. As a result, charges were filed against Victoria's aunt, Bambi Dickerson, and Jerry Lee Dickerson Jr. Bambi Dickerson was charged with misdemeanor failure to store a firearm to protect a minor, while Jerry Lee Dickerson Jr. faced charges of possession of a firearm by a felon. Both individuals were arrested, with Bambi Dickerson being released on bond.
The investigation highlighted a lack of proper supervision and firearm safety measures in the household, as it was reported that this was not the first time children had been known to handle weapons without adult supervision. The authorities consulted with the 2nd Judicial District Attorney before pressing charges, and it was determined that the guns were readily available to anyone in the residence. The investigation remains ongoing, and while additional charges are considered unlikely, the case will be revisited should new information come to light.
