8-Year-Old Stace Zane, Tragically Killed in Apparent Accidental Shooting at New Haven Home: Authorities Continue Investigation into Preventable Tragedy, Urge Community to Help Uncover Circumstances Surrounding Child’s Death

New Haven, CT – March 17, 2025 – An 8-year-old boy, identified as Stace Zane, was tragically killed in what authorities are calling an accidental shooting late Sunday night. The heartbreaking incident took place in a New Haven home, leaving the young boy’s family, friends, and the local community in shock and mourning.. Authorities are still piecing together the exact sequence of events, but preliminary evidence suggests that the death was a preventable accident. The incident has once again highlighted the ongoing concerns over gun safety and child protection in homes across the nation.

At approximately 10:54 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, the New Haven Police Department (NHPD) received a call reporting that a person had been shot inside a residence. Officers rushed to the scene, which was an undisclosed location within the city, and upon their arrival, they found Stace Zane lying on the kitchen floor with an apparent gunshot wound. His injuries were severe, and emergency medical personnel quickly transported the child to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The heart-wrenching loss has struck not only the immediate family but also the broader New Haven community, many of whom are now grappling with the questions surrounding the circumstances of the shooting. Authorities have yet to fully clarify how the shooting occurred, but they have confirmed that the firearm involved in the incident was recovered at the scene. While the investigation is ongoing, New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson spoke publicly about the incident, calling it “tragic” and “senseless.”

“This was a preventable death. There’s no reason for an 8-year-old to lose his life in this manner,” Chief Jacobson said in a statement. “Our detectives are actively working to understand what led to this devastating situation, but what is clear is that the safety protocols surrounding firearms were not followed. It’s a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the family affected.”

Preliminary findings from investigators indicate that the shooting may have been accidental. However, law enforcement officials are taking the incident very seriously and are determined to uncover the precise circumstances surrounding the child’s death. Family members were reportedly present at the time of the incident, although it has not yet been disclosed whether any other individuals were involved in handling the firearm.

This tragic event has raised important questions about gun safety, especially within the home. According to statistics, accidental shootings involving children are an ongoing concern across the United States. Research from organizations such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Everytown for Gun Safety reveals that a significant number of children and adolescents are injured or killed each year due to firearms left unsecured or improperly stored. The fact that a firearm was involved in this incident has further highlighted the importance of education surrounding gun safety and the need for stringent safety measures in homes with children.

The New Haven Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident, and Chief Jacobson has appealed to the public for assistance. Authorities are urging anyone who may have relevant information to come forward and help with the investigation. Witnesses or individuals with information related to the circumstances surrounding the shooting can contact the New Haven Police Department directly at (203) 946-6304 or provide anonymous tips through the department’s tip line at