New details in 3-year-old boy's accidental shooting death

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. - Deputies have released more details about a tragic shooting that left a 3-year-old boy dead. 

The Paulding County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call shortly after 7 a.m. Tuesday. They were called to a home on Camp Circle in Dallas and found 3-year-old Holston Cole with a gunshot wound to the chest.

Responding deputies performed CPR and other life saving measures, according to investigators. Once EMS arrived, Holston was taken to Paulding Wellstar Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. 

"This is something that not only the family, but the sheriff's deputies and first responders will have to carry with them for quite some time," said Paulding County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Ashley Henson.

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Investigators said on Wednesday they believe the child obtained the handgun from inside the home and accidentally shot himself. The Sheriff's Office said they are not ready to release information on where the gun was located and exactly how Holston got ahold of it, but confirmed the Ruger LCP .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol belonged to the boy's father, David Cole. 

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation performed an autopsy Wednesday morning. Investigators said the gunshot wound was consistent with being both self-inflicted and accidental. 

According to investigators, the young victim lived at the residence with his father, mother and younger twin sisters. Mourners gathered at the home as word of the shooting spread Tuesday afternoon.  

Family pastor Paul Richardson said they are doing what they can for the child's parents.

"We're fortunate to have several pastors on our staff. Many of us have been with them this morning along with close family and friends, praying with them moment by moment and asking God to comfort them," Pastor Richardson said.

No charges have been filed at this time.