Child Dies After Shooting Incident in Ellsworth County

KBI investigating circumstances surrounding the death of two children in Brookville

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:10pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shotgun shell casing, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigative nature of the tragic shooting incident.A single spent shell casing from the tragic shooting incident in Ellsworth County serves as a somber reminder of the need for greater gun safety and responsibility.Ellsworth Today

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has provided an update on a tragic incident in Ellsworth County, Kansas, where an 8-year-old child has died from injuries sustained in a shooting on March 28. The KBI is assisting the Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office in investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a 5-year-old child and the critical injury of an 8-year-old child in Brookville.

Why it matters

This incident has shaken the small community of Brookville and raised concerns about gun safety and the protection of children. The KBI's involvement indicates the seriousness of the investigation, as they work to determine the exact sequence of events and any potential criminal liability.

The details

On March 28, emergency responders were called to a residence south of the intersection of Kansas Highway 141 and Ave. N in Brookville after a report of a shooting involving two children. A 5-year-old female was pronounced dead at the scene, while an 8-year-old male was airlifted to a Wichita hospital in critical condition. Preliminary information suggests that a young child picked up an unsecured, loaded shotgun and fired, striking the two siblings.

  • On March 28, at approximately 3:15 p.m., a caller reported the shooting incident.
  • The Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office requested KBI assistance at approximately 4:10 p.m.

The players

Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI)

The state's leading law enforcement agency, responsible for assisting local authorities in complex investigations.

Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency in Ellsworth County, Kansas, which initially responded to the shooting incident and requested KBI assistance.

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What’s next

The KBI and Ellsworth County Sheriff's Office will continue their investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and any potential criminal charges.

The takeaway

This tragic incident highlights the importance of responsible gun ownership and storage, especially in households with children. It also underscores the need for continued education and awareness around firearm safety to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.