Kent County District Attorney Chris Becker says charges have been set for the 13-year-old death of Gabriel Hojnacki’s friend’s grandfather. Elder Becker says the older man is charged with accidentally killing “the younger” in the Western Grand area of Grand Rapids in May.
George Jay Gross Jr., 60, mistakenly left a gun on a bedside table where children could get it, according to court documents. The suspect would apparently spend the next 15 years of his life in prison if convicted.
Gabriel Hojnacki
A look at the accidental murder of Gabriel Hojnacki
On May 28, 2022, Gabriel Hojnacki visited his friend’s grandfather at his Alpine Avenue home. Hojnacki was killed by the two children’s toy gun, which they were playing with when he accidentally shot it in the chest. After receiving emergency treatment, he was later pronounced dead.
A Grand Rapids Police Department detective testified in court the day of the incident regarding a potential compensation document. The officer claimed that Gross Jr.’s grandson, who is currently serving an adult sentence, broke into the former’s bedroom and removed the gun from the bedside table. For this reason, it seems likely that the teenager was shot and killed.
According to an affidavit, Gross’ grandson was sitting on the sofa and Gabriel Hojnacki was standing in the doorway between the living room and the kitchen. Reportedly, Hojnacki’s friend later told police he was only carrying the gun with one hand when fired, which made it difficult for him to remember to pull the trigger. .
Gross claimed that as he opened fire, the children were playing with his .45 caliber revolver beside him. He further admitted that the gun was kept in his bedroom in an open dresser while he was at work. In response to Gross’ grandson, the gun was found on the nightstand.
According to court documents, police also found two other firearms in a hidden drawer as well as a handgun in the bedside cabinet drawer. After the gun was found with the cartridge inside the chamber, Gross told police he could not remember whether he stored it there or not. He claimed he believed all the weapons were taken.
The 60-year-old also acknowledged in an affidavit that he might have discussed firearms a few years earlier. Gross complained that his adult son was causing him grief and trying to enter his property without permission.
A lawyer for Gabriel Hojnacki’s family, Bradley Peri, commented on the situation and called it a “horrible tragedy that shouldn’t have happened”. He went on to say that the family was happy that Gross, the owner of the gun, suffered the consequences.
Peri went on to point out that while Gabriel cannot be saved, his passing would not have been ineffective if the tragedy had the potential to influence a gun owner to change his behavior and save a life.
While it’s true that people have a right to own private firearms, he added that they also have a responsibility to keep them locked up and empty. Peri said taking these steps will only serve to protect children and prevent future tragedies like Gabriel’s death.
