Georgia Toddler Fatally Shoots Himself with Dad's Gun

2-year-old River Willis died after finding his father's loaded 9mm pistol in a fanny pack on the bed during nap time.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A 2-year-old Georgia boy named River Willis tragically died after accidentally shooting himself with his father Richard Lee Willis' loaded 9mm pistol that was left in a fanny pack on the bed during nap time. Police have charged the father with second-degree murder and cruelty to children.

Why it matters

This heartbreaking incident highlights the importance of responsible gun ownership and storage, especially in homes with young children. It raises questions about gun safety laws and whether more can be done to prevent such accidental shootings involving minors.

The details

According to the police affidavit, Richard Lee Willis had just returned home from a doctor's appointment and placed his fanny pack containing the loaded 9mm pistol on the bed. He then sent his son River upstairs for a nap, but the toddler came back down saying his cellphone was dead. Willis told River to go sleep on the bed in the master bedroom, promising to join him shortly. Minutes later, Willis heard a gunshot and found River shot in the face, with the gun next to him.

  • On February 23, 2026, police responded around 2 p.m. to a report of a shooting at an apartment complex in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
  • Later that day, police arrested Richard Lee Willis on charges of second-degree murder and cruelty to children.

The players

Richard Lee Willis

The 2-year-old boy's father, who has been charged with second-degree murder and cruelty to children after his son accidentally shot himself with Willis' loaded 9mm pistol.

River Willis

The 2-year-old boy who tragically died after accidentally shooting himself with his father's gun that was left unattended on the bed.

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What they’re saying

“The family wanted me to express their profound thoughts and prayers for the loss of baby River. They are very much in favor of the court setting a bond in this case and allowing Mr. Willis to come home.”

— Clint Rucker, Willis' attorney (WAGA)

“No matter the time of day, if our little boy asked, 'Daddy, play with me,' there was never hesitation. Not once. It didn't matter if he had just walked through the door from a long day of work or if he was exhausted. He would drop everything. Because to him, being a father wasn't a task it was a privilege.”

— River's mother (GoFundMe)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to grant Richard Lee Willis bail and allow him to return home while the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This tragic accident underscores the critical need for gun owners, especially those with young children, to exercise the utmost caution and responsibility in storing firearms securely and out of reach of minors to prevent such heartbreaking incidents from occurring.