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Boy’s shooting ruled accidental, investigation wrapping up

William J. McAnaul, 3, died of a self-inflicted gunshot at his Vandalia home on Tuesday, July 21, 2009.

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By Doug Page, Staff Writer Updated 1:23 PM Tuesday, September 1, 2009

VANDALIA — The fatal shooting of a 3-year-old has been ruled an accidental death by the Montgomery County Coroner.

Rich Hopkins, city spokesman, said Tuesday, Sept. 1, police were wrapping up their investigation into the death William J. McAnaul. The coroner’s office listed the cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head.

The child died July 21 at Children’s Medical Center shortly after being flown to the hospital from his home in the 700 block of Attica Street. The boy apparently shot himself in the face with a 9 mm handgun, according to a police incident report.

“A decision on whether any charges are filed will be made after our investigator confers with the prosecutor’s office,” Hopkins said. He expected that to happen “within the next week or so.”

On the recording of the 911 call, the child’s mother, Pat McAnaul, is heard telling the dispatcher her son had found his father’s handgun under a bed and shot himself just below an eye.

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