In the small community of Corbin, Kentucky, a heart-wrenching incident unfolded on September 7, 2023, leading to the death of two-year-old Milo Christian Don Brooks. The young boy, a male, was at a home on Martin Road when the tragedy occurred. What should have been an ordinary day turned into a nightmare when another child, only three years old, gained access to a handgun.
The older child found the firearm, which had been left on top of a refrigerator.
Using a stool to climb, the three-year-old retrieved the weapon and accidentally discharged it, striking Milo in the head. Emergency services were called, and the critically injured toddler was rushed to Baptist Health Corbin hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Milo succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
In the aftermath of the devastating event, the Whitley County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. While the incident was deemed accidental, questions arose regarding how the child was able to access a loaded firearm. The sheriff's office stated that their findings would be turned over to the Whitley County prosecutor's office to determine if any criminal charges were warranted.
As of July 2024, a criminal case had not been initiated. However, Milo's father has taken civil action, filing a lawsuit in connection to his son's death. The lawsuit targets the couple who had custody of Milo at the time, a social worker involved in his placement, and the heads of several state agencies, alleging negligence and seeking accountability for the tragic loss of a young life.
