MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police are investigating a heartbreaking and emotional shooting in southeast Memphis that left a woman dead and involved a child, according to investigators.

The shooting happened just before 3 p.m. at a busy shopping plaza along Shelby Drive. Police say the incident is being treated as an accidental discharge, and a child pulled the trigger.

Officers responded to the scene and found the victim inside a white compact Audi SUV parked in the lot. Investigators believe the vehicle may have been exiting the parking area before coming to a stop. Witnesses told FOX13 the SUV was not parked in a designated space.

Dozens of Memphis Police officers were seen throughout the parking lot as the investigation unfolded.

“When you see these kind of incidents in the neighborhood, you just wonder how do we continue to let this happen?” said Keith House, a Memphis resident who was nearby.

Family members later arrived at the scene and were visibly distraught as they learned of their loved one’s death. The scene quickly became emotional, with cries heard as relatives processed the tragedy.

Nearby shoppers also expressed shock and frustration after learning a child was involved.

“Like this is crazy,” said Michael Jolfie, another Memphis resident. “This is why you gotta be cautious on what you leave around your kids.”

Police have not released the identity of the victim currently.

As the investigation continues, Memphis Police are reminding the public about the importance of firearm safety, especially around children. MPD urges gun owners to:

• Keep firearms locked and secured.
• Store weapons unloaded when not in use.
• Never leave a firearm where a child can access it.
• Take advantage of free gun locks available through MPD.

The department says those simple steps can prevent tragedies like this. Detectives continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.