Grandmother Arrested After Child’s Accidental Death

Grandmother charged after grandson accidentally shot himself with an unsecured firearm.

The Nashville Police Department has arrested Gracie Patton Mimms, 48, in connection with the tragic death of her grandson, Phillip’e Woodard. The eight-year-old boy accidentally shot himself on September 14th in a bedroom that contained a loaded shotgun. Mimms, who was responsible for Phillip’e at the time, had left him in the room unattended while she went out to spend time with friends. The weapon was easily accessible, and Phillip’e was handling the gun when it discharged, resulting in his fatal injury.

Following an investigation led by Detective Chris Beery of the Youth Services Division, arrest warrants were issued for Mimms on charges of criminal homicide and aggravated child neglect. The findings of the investigation were reviewed with the District Attorney’s Office before the charges were filed.

For more information, you can view related images and details about the case on the [Nashville government website](https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2024-10/Gracie%20Patton%20Mimms.JPG).

In other news, local authorities continue to address various community safety concerns, including traffic incidents and school threats.

For ongoing updates on crime and safety in Nashville, residents can access resources such as interactive crime maps and crime statistics through the [Nashville Crime Mapping website](http://www.crimemapping.com/map/tn/nashville).

Source: Read Original Release

Nashville Father Charged in Toddler’s Overdose Death

Haze Hamlett, a Nashville resident, was arrested and indicted for first-degree murder and aggravated child abuse following the overdose death of his 2-year-old son, Joshua, from fentanyl and xylazine toxicity. The investigation found that Hamlett, who has a history of drug abuse, left out pills laced with these substances, leading to the tragic incident.