SALEM, Ind. (Press Release) -- A three-year old boy found a gun and accidentally shot and killed his father Friday night in Washington County, Indiana, according to Indiana State Police.
33-year old Michael Bayless died at the scene of a home in Beck's Mill near Salem around 10 p.m. Friday.
Police say Bayless was at the home with his wife, three kids, and another young family member.
Police said Bayless was watching TV with two of his children when his other son grabbed a .45 caliber hand gun. The gun discharged and struck Bayless, who was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else at the home was seriously hurt.
Neighbors say the family started coming to the home about six months ago on weekends and were planning to move there. The family had been living in Martinsville, Indiana, south of Indianapolis, but had been renovating the home.
Neighbors who lived near the family in Martinsville, about 80 miles north, reacted to the news.
“It's a bad, bad tragedy. He was carrying the gun for his personal safety,” said James Cleveland.
“I think it's crazy. I think it's irresponsible. For one, we have firearms, but he doesn't even know where they're at or they’re definitely not loaded. We have gun locks, it's definitely a tragedy,” said Doug Kirkohoff.
Police are still investigating but do not suspect foul play.
An autopsy is expected to be performed on Sunday.
