Toddler fatally shot in Merrillville, Indiana: police

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. - A child was shot and killed Monday night in Merrillville, Indiana.

Around 5:45 p.m., police responded to the 3100 block of W. 79th St. for a report of a gunshot victim.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found a 3-year-old boy who had been shot. Paramedics began working on the victim before transporting him to an area hospital for treatment, police said.

A short time later, the toddler was pronounced dead at the hospital. On Tuesday, he was identified by the coroner as King Penro.

Police say the shooting appears to be accidental, and that the family is cooperating with their investigation. They say a handgun recovered from the scene had only fired one round.

No charges have been filed at this time. The investigation is ongoing.