Police say Tyrone Thompson Jr. left a gun unattended with his young nephew, then fled after the child was critically wounded.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A 21-year-old South Carolina man is facing a weapons charge after police said his 3-year-old nephew found an unattended gun and accidentally shot himself inside a Columbia apartment, then later died at a hospital.
Columbia police identified the uncle as Tyrone Thompson Jr. and charged him with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. Investigators allege Thompson left the firearm unattended in the same room as the toddler, Erin Myers, before the Sept. 3 shooting. Police also allege Thompson did not provide aid after the gunfire, took the weapon from the scene and fled before authorities arrived. Police have said additional charges are possible.
Authorities were called at about 5:40 p.m. to Bailey Street near The Colony apartment complex. Deputy Chief Melron Kelly said responding officers and deputies found the young child suffering from a gunshot wound. Erin was taken to a hospital in critical condition but later died. The Richland County Coroner’s Office publicly identified him the following day as 3-year-old Erin Myers.
Police said their investigation determined that Erin gained access to a gun Thompson had left unattended in the room. Authorities said the child accidentally shot himself. Investigators have not publicly detailed exactly where the firearm had been placed or how long it had been within the child’s reach before the shooting.
Kelly said Thompson did not remain at the apartment to assist his nephew or contact police. Investigators allege he instead left with the gun and disposed of it. Richland County deputies later located and arrested him. As of Sept. 4, police were still trying to determine what Thompson had done with the firearm and had not announced that it had been recovered.
The child’s parents were inside the residence when the shooting happened but were not in the same room, Kelly said. Police said the parents called 911 and were not implicated in Thompson’s alleged illegal possession of the firearm. Authorities have not accused them of involvement in the weapons charge filed against Thompson.
Police said Thompson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of a prior felony conviction. Kelly said that fact was the basis for the possession charge announced after his arrest. Investigators have not publicly announced a charge accusing Thompson of intentionally causing Erin’s death, and the shooting has been described by authorities as accidental.
A judge set Thompson’s bond at $250,000, according to reports following his arrest. Conditions included electronic monitoring and a prohibition against possessing firearms if released. Law&Crime reported that Thompson remained at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center and had a court date scheduled for Nov. 20. The charge against him remains an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Family and friends gathered at The Colony apartments the day after the shooting for a balloon release honoring Erin. A memorial with balloons, candles and dinosaur toys was also placed near the apartment. In a statement shared with local media, the family said it was “devastated by this loss” and described what happened as a heartbreaking mistake.
The family also addressed Thompson in its statement, saying relatives were grieving alongside him and did not hate him. Their statement emphasized the importance of keeping firearms secured and out of children’s reach. Police officials likewise said the case illustrated the danger of leaving a firearm accessible to a young child.
The investigation remains active, and police have said additional charges against Thompson could be considered as investigators continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding Erin’s death. No additional charges had been publicly announced in the latest reports reviewed.
Author note: Last updated September 10, 2026.