BURNSVILLE, Minn. — An 8-year-old boy is dead after police say his father unintentionally shot him during an altercation last week inside a Burnsville home.
A spokesperson for the City of Burnsville says officers were dispatched to a home on the 13800 block of Echo Lake Park just before midnight on Wednesday, June 5. When police arrived, they found an 8-year-old boy and the adult male suspect suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to HCMC, where the child died on Sunday.
The boy's mother, Cherish Edwards, posted online that it was her son Amir Harden that was killed at the hands of his father Danair Harden. On a GoFundMe for the family, Edwards says her son died trying to protect her, as she believes his father was trying to kill her.
On Wednesday, hospital officials confirmed Danair Harden is in critical condition after sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The city spokesperson says investigators believe the shots were fired during "some type of altercation" inside the home but don't think the child was the target.
Danair Harden was arrested earlier in the day on June 6 for allegedly assaulting Edwards on May 30. He posted bail and within hours he violated court orders to have no contact with the victim, Edwards. The shooting happened later that night.
Court records say that Danair Harden allegedly choked Edwards on May 30 when she was trying to end their 10-year-long relationship. She told police he had been abusive in the past and she was worried for her safety.
Edwards said four of Amir's siblings witnessed the shooting.
Amir's school in Burnsville has psychiatrists and grief counselors available for staff, student and families. His principal said Amir's smile was big and lit up a room, adding the school is devastated.
Officials didn't specify who else was involved in the altercation.
No charges have been filed in the incident, according to the city spokesperson. Burnsville police continue to investigate.
*This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
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