Tragic Loss in Bainbridge, Georgia (ZIP 31717) : Teen Playing with Gun Fatally Shoots Cousin While She Slept — LIVE UPDATES

Bainbridge, Georgia (ZIP 31717) – Last Friday evening in Bainbridge, Georgia, a devastating accident claimed the life of an 8-year-old girl, identified as Kylen Powell, when her 13-year-old cousin, allegedly playing with a handgun, fired it while she slept in their grandmother’s home. The weapon discharged around 11 p.m. on July 11, 2025, striking Kylen in the face. Authorities report that the gun belonged to the grandmother, Knisha Ann Perkins, who allegedly left it unsecured in the house. Kylen was pronounced dead at the scene, and the firearm was missing when deputies arrived.

Both the teen and Perkins were arrested on July 15: the boy faces felony murder and aggravated assault charges, and the grandmother is charged with cruelty to children and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Decatur County authorities are leading the ongoing investigation. Community leaders and coroner DeWitt Phillip are urging families to secure firearms to prevent further tragedies.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: 13-year-old allegedly fatally shot 8‑year‑old cousin at grandmother’s home in Bainbridge, GA.

• IMPACT: One child killed; two individuals charged, shock ripples through small town.

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “Don’t leave them out where kids can play with them.” — Deputy Coroner Phillip

• ACTION: Secure firearms in homes — lock them away and keep children away.

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Bainbridge, Georgia (ZIP 31717) – grandmother’s home in Decatur County.

2. Community Connection:

   “We are devastated—an innocent child gone too soon.”
   — Local neighbor, Bainbridge resident

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  Domestic firearm incidents involving children are rising across rural America. Despite heightened awareness, safe storage practices remain inconsistent, even in multi-generational homes. This heartbreaking case underscores urgent gaps in preventing child-access to unsecured weapons.

According to officials, the cousins were spending the night with their grandmother. Around 11 p.m., the teen allegedly found a 9 mm handgun—unsecured in the home—while her cousin was sleeping in a nearby room. The gun discharged unintentionally, killing Kylen instantly. Deputies could not locate the weapon at the scene, and no immediate defensive injuries were reported.

Charges were filed on July 15: the 13-year-old is charged with felony murder and aggravated assault; Perkins faces three counts of child cruelty and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is probing how the firearm was stored, and whether negligence played a role.

Deputy Coroner DeWitt Phillip issued a stark warning:

“Kids watch TV. They don’t think. Secure your firearms so we don’t have these children dead.”

This tragedy echoes past incidents where unsecured firearms in family settings led to needless child deaths. Advocacy groups are calling for mandatory safe-storage laws and educational campaigns targeted at multi-generational households, particularly where young children reside. Secure firearm storage — including gun safes and trigger locks—could prevent future loss and grief.

Update Log

•  July 11, ~11 p.m.: Shooting occurred at grandmother’s house.

•  July 15: Arrests made; charges filed.

•  Ongoing: GBI investigating; community safety meetings scheduled.

This tragedy underscores the lethal consequences of unsecured firearms, even among family members. As the community mourns young Kylen’s death, families are urged to secure all weapons and adopt cautious practices.