Martinsburg, WV – A two-year-old boy died Thursday evening in Berkeley County after deputies responded to a reported shooting, according to local authorities.
According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred around 5:38 p.m. on Needmore Road in Berkeley County. When deputies arrived, they found the child suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency medical efforts at the scene, deputies said the toddler later died from his injuries.
The Criminal Investigative Division was called in, and investigators Sergeant Funk, Deputy Weidman, and Deputy Cardello took over the scene. After conducting what officials described as a preliminary investigation, investigators arrested 29-year-old Zachary Allen O’Sullivan of Martinsburg on a charge of Child Neglect Resulting in Death. According to the sheriff’s office, O’Sullivan allegedly played a role in the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.
Authorities said O’Sullivan was later released after posting a $25,000 bond.
As of Friday, investigators stated the case remains active and ongoing. The sheriff’s office added that no further details are available at this point. Officials publicly expressed condolences to the child’s family, calling the death a “tragedy” for the community.
Law enforcement has not yet released additional information about what led to the gunshot injury, who else may have been present, or whether further charges are possible. Detectives are expected to release updates as the investigation develops.
Residents in Berkeley County, the Martinsburg area, and surrounding parts of the Eastern Panhandle have been following the case closely due to the severity of the incident and the age of the victim.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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