UPDATE: Father charged in child’s fatal shooting at Butler home
Investigators say the child gained access to a firearm and suffered a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound.
UPDATE (10/28/26): The father of a child who died in a March shooting at a Butler home has been arrested, according to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office.
In a news release, the sheriff’s office identified the father as Dante Vinson, who currently lives in Oglethorpe.
Vinson is charged with one felony count of involuntary manslaughter and one misdemeanor count of reckless conduct.
Investigators say the child gained access to a firearm and suffered a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound at a home on Peters Road.
The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigated the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
“This was an extremely tragic incident involving the loss of an innocent three-year-old child,” Sheriff John Sawyer said. “No investigation or criminal charge can undo the loss of a young life. However, we have a responsibility to thoroughly investigate these incidents and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under Georgia law.”
Wednesday’s release identifies the child as 3 years old. The sheriff’s office’s initial March release identified the child as 2 years old.
“This tragedy should also serve as a reminder to every gun owner of the tremendous responsibility that comes with owning a firearm,” Sawyer said. “Firearms must be properly secured and kept out of the reach of children. A moment of carelessness can result in consequences that can never be reversed.”
The sheriff’s office did not provide the date or location of Vinson’s arrest or information about his bond status.”
ORIGINAL STORY (3/9/26):
BUTLER, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A 2-year-old is dead after a shooting Saturday evening, according to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded around 5:23 p.m. March 7 to a report of a person who had been shot at a home in the 66 block of Peters Road in Butler, authorities said.
While deputies were en route, they learned the victim was a 2-year-old child. Investigators said the child’s mother placed the child in her vehicle and began driving toward Phoebe Sumter Medical Center before being intercepted by emergency medical services personnel.
Despite emergency medical efforts, the child later died from the injuries, officials said.
The shooting remains under investigation by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Authorities said no additional details are being released at this time as the investigation continues.
