Pregnant woman fatally shot in back by her two-year-old son in Ohio, police say

June 22, 2023

A pregnant woman died after being shot in the back by her two-year-old son in Ohio, according to police in the US state.

Laura Ilg, 31, who was 33 weeks pregnant, called emergency services last Friday to report she'd been injured by her toddler after he got hold of her gun.

Moments later, Ms Ilg's husband Alek reported he had also received a call from his wife, who was screaming and telling him to call the police.

In the 911 call, released by the police, Ms Ilg is heard begging for help and was heard in a state of panic.

According to NBC News, Ms Ilg said to the dispatcher: "I'm upstairs. I need help.

"Is your front door unlocked?," emergency services replied.

Ms Ilg then said: "Tell them to break in, please, hurry."

Police said officers arrived at 1.14pm, three minutes after her first call was placed and forced themselves into the home.

"Laura was transported to Fisher Titus Medical Center, where an emergency cesarean section took place," police said.

Authorities confirmed her unborn son died less than an hour after the 911 call was placed and Ms Ilg was pronounced dead at 5.10pm.

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The gun that the toddler got hold of was a SIG Sauer P365 - a striker-fired subcompact semi-automatic pistol.

Officers said they have taken possession of the gun, along with a shell casing and the loaded magazine.

Ms Ilg and her husband told authorities the handgun was kept in a nightstand in their bedroom.

Police said a 12-gauge shotgun and an airsoft rifle were also in the home.

No charges have been filed and police said the investigation findings will be forwarded to the local prosecutor's office.

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