Troy Blue Dueñes, a 3-year-old boy from Elsa, Texas, tragically died on October 18, 2021, after accidentally shooting himself with an unsecured, loaded handgun. The incident occurred at his home in the 200 block of Begonia Street, where Troy found the firearm in a bedroom belonging to an adult family member. Investigators believe that Troy accidentally shot himself, and an autopsy confirmed that the wound was self-inflicted.
Following the incident, Salvador Domingo Dueñes Jr., Troy's father, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Dueñes turned himself in to the Elsa Police Department on October 21, 2021, and was later sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for the possession charge. Additionally, he faced misdemeanor charges for making a firearm accessible to a child resulting in death or serious bodily harm, assault causing bodily injury, and possession of marijuana.
The Elsa Police Department emphasized the importance of gun safety and responsible gun ownership in the wake of Troy's death. They reminded the public to properly handle, store, and secure firearms to prevent similar tragedies. The department also highlighted the availability of gun safety locks, which can be distributed for free through various law enforcement programs.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for gun safety education and the proper storage of firearms to protect children and prevent accidental injuries and deaths.
