DONALDSONVILLE, LA (WAFB) -
A Donaldsonville couple is behind bars after their 8-year-old daughter narrowly escapes a fatal gunshot.
Deputies were dispatched to Prevost Hospital to investigate an accidental shooting. They met with the 8-year-old girl and her mother, Jennifer Mitchell, who told authorities her daughter had found her .38 caliber handgun in the mother's nightstand.
The mother indicated the girl took the weapon and it accidentally discharged. Fortunately the bullet only grazed the child's chest causing a superficial wound. The child was treated and later released from the hospital.
During the investigation, deputies learned that Mitchell had made up the story and made her daughter make false statements to the investigating deputies.
Deputies found out Mitchell was in a heated argument with her husband Henry Mitchell, Sr. During the argument, Jennifer Mitchell reportedly armed herself with the pistol and it accidentally discharged with the one shot completely penetrating and exiting her husband's leg and also hitting the child.
Jennifer Duncan Mitchell, 31, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana was arrested and charged with aggravated battery (Domestic Violence), negligent injury, contributing to delinquency of a juvenile, and criminal mischief (filing a false police report).
Henry Mitchell, Sr., 46, of Donaldsonville, Louisiana was arrested and charged with simple assault (domestic violence), accessory after the fact to negligent injury, contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, and obstruction of justice.
Both are currently in jail with no bond set at this time. The Mitchell's three children, including the 8 year old were taken into the custody by Office of Child Services (OCS) and are expected to be released to their grandmother.
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Jennifer and Henry Mitchell
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
