BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Birmingham police say a boy they were told accidentally shot himself was likely shot by the gun's owner.
Lt. Sean Edwards says authorities no longer believe the 3-year-old boy's stomach wound was self-inflicted. Edwards says there were no marks on the boy's skin or residue to support claims that he accidentally shot himself.
Edwards says police later tried questioning 24-year-old Byron Dobbins about the shooting. Dobbins is a relative of the toddler's father and was visiting at the time of the shooting.
His girlfriend and mother told police they were unsure of his whereabouts. The three were found together the next day and both women were arrested for hindering prosecution. They're now free on bond.
Police say Dobbins is charged with assault, it's unclear if he has a lawyer.