4-Year-Old Accidentally Shot in Head, Greensboro Murder-Suicide, 1951

Gun accidents and murder-suicides are nothing new. Here are two article from 1951, considered by some to be a "golden age." Both were reported on the same day in the Statesville Landmark. 

“Greensboro Man Shoots Wife and Then Kills Self,” from the Statesville Landmark, May 3, 1951

Greensboro, May 1—Shortly before 1 p.m. yesterday, a Greensboro man shot his estranged wife and then turned his 25-caliber pistol on himself. The shooting took place at the entrance to the Union Bus Station in downtown Greensboro.

The husband—listed by police as 40-year-old William M. Jacobs—was dead on arrival at the hospital. His wife—Marie Jackobs, age 22—was shot twice and is believed to be in serious condition at the hospital.

“Boy Accidentally Shot in Head,” from the Statesville Landmark, May 3, 1951

Bryson City, May 2—A 4-year-old Swain County child is near death today with a 22 caliber bullet in his brain. Police reports that the boy, Harold Laws, was wounded yesterday when he was struck by a bullet from a gun that was accidentally discharged.