On September 15, 2019, Zain Alabiden Fadhil, a 6-year-old boy from Arlington, Texas, tragically passed away after being shot in the head by his 11-year-old brother. The incident occurred inside their home when the older sibling, who had special needs, accidentally fired a .22-caliber rifle. The rifle had been purchased by another sibling, a 16-year-old, who claimed to have bought it off the streets.
Investigators were puzzled as to why the rifle was placed outside and how it ended up with the children.
Zain was immediately taken to Mansfield Methodist Hospital and then airlifted to Cook Children’s Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries four days later. A 3-year-old sibling was also present during the shooting and was grazed by a bullet but was expected to recover. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Zain's death.
Authorities launched an investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the shooting. They were particularly interested in the purchase history of the rifle and who placed it outside. Despite their efforts, the exact reason for the shooting remained unclear. A GoFundMe campaign was set up to assist the family with medical costs and funeral expenses.
No arrests or suspects were identified in connection with Zain's death. The case did not lead to any litigations or murder trials. The investigation focused on understanding the events leading up to the tragic incident and ensuring the safety of the remaining children in the household.
Zain Alabiden Fadhil's death was one of three shootings involving children in Fort Worth and Arlington on the same day. The community was deeply affected by the tragedy, and efforts were made to support the grieving family.
