Vigil Held For Child Killed By Handgun
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - A community came together Saturday to offer support to a family dealing with the loss of a child.
Two-year-old Neegnco Xiong was killed when his 4-year-old brother accidentally shot him with a gun he found in his parent's bedroom.
Neegnco's father, Kao Xiong, met members of the community as they came to pray and offer support. Xiong fought back tears as he thanked the crowd for their support.
He spoke about his son, who he says was a very active and healthy child. He did not talk about the incident that claimed his son's life, but his voiced quivered when he talked about how this accident has impacted him and his family.
"In my lifetime I never thought this tragedy would happen to my family. I have suffered for the last several days," Xiong said. "I lost a beautiful son."
The brothers were playing in their parent's bedroom when the loaded gun was found between the bed's mattress and headboard.
Minneapolis Police want to remind people that guns should be kept unloaded with ammunition stored separately - and both under lock and key.
The case remains under investigation. The Hennepin County Attorney will determine if the parents violated a state law requiring guns to be safely stored inside homes with children.
