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SANFORD — Children and guns don't mix. It's a dangerous combination that is far too often deadly. In Lee County, it led to the death of one child this afternoon.
The victim is 12-year-old Kevin Weichelt. He was playing at his 12-year-old cousin's house when the two found a loaded .38 caliber pistol. The pistol went off, hittin Weichelt in the mouth.
Weichelt was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say the gun belonged to the father of Weichelt's playmate, but would not release any names.
Under North Carolina law, the gun should have been locked up, out of reach of children. Authorities are not yet sure if the weapon in question was locked up or not.
No charges have been filed yet.
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