Child Leaves Hospital After Cornelius Shooting That Killed Mother

CORNELIUS, NC — A young child who suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound in an accidental shooting that also claimed the life of their mother Monday has been released from an area hospital, Cornelius Police Department confirmed Friday.

Gabriel Alexis Henderson, 25 and mother of five, was killed in the Feb. 15 shooting after her children found a small semi-automatic handgun in her purse, CPD said.

Police responded to Henderson's apartment in the 19000 block of Meridian Street shortly before 7 p.m., and said Henderson and a gun were found in a back bedroom. She was pronounced dead at the scene, CPD said.

"Detectives arrived on scene and after speaking with witnesses, it was determined the only people inside the apartment at the time of the shooting were the victim and her five children," CPD said in a statement. "Four of the juveniles were in the room at the time of the shooting and detectives believe the juveniles found the gun inside the mother's purse. The mother was inadvertently shot, as well as the youngest child."

The child was transported to Atrium Main in Charlotte for treatment of their injuries, CPD said.

A GoFundMe campaign was established Wednesday to help pay for funeral expenses and support her children. "On behalf of Gabby's family, her closest friends, and entire family, we appreciate the outpouring love, prayers and support shown over the past days and undoubtedly days to come," campaign organizers said. As of Feb. 19, nearly $10,000 had been donated by 260 individuals.