CLEVELAND, TN. (October 25, 2021) — Around 12:45 am on October 25, 2021, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported gunshot at a residence on Hancock Rd NE.

Upon arrival, the mother advised her 2-year-old child had suffered an accidental gunshot wound.  The child was immediately transported to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest and later passed away.

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division detectives responded to the scene and conducted a preliminary investigation. It was then discovered that the firearm had been left unsecured and the child was able to gain access to it.  After consulting with the District Attorney’s Office, the father, Matthew Daniel Jenkins, has been charged with Criminally Negligent Homicide.

The Bradley County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank BCSO 100 Shift Patrol Deputies, The Bradley County 911 Center, EMS and Fire personnel, and BCSO Criminal Investigations Division for their teamwork and lifesaving efforts that were performed this morning.

Please understand that this is a heartbreaking tragedy. We send our deepest condolences and ask that you respect the privacy of the child’s family, friends, and loved ones while they grieve the loss of their child.