8-year-old reportedly shot himself after grandmother left him alone to go visit friends

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TCN) -- A 48-year-old grandmother faces charges after an 8-year-old child accidentally fatally shot himself while he was under her care.

According to a news release from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, on Sept. 14, officials allege 48-year-old Gracie Mimms departed her residence "to go spend time with friends," leaving Phillip’e Woodard unattended in a room with a loaded shotgun that "was out and easily accessible."

Woodard reportedly gained access to the shotgun and it went off, killing him. Per an affidavit reviewed by WSMV-TV, Mimms admitted that she knew about the shotgun in the room, but she thought it was unloaded. She reportedly cared for the victim and several other children that day when she left them alone.

Police announced Mimms’ arrest on Oct. 3 on charges of criminal homicide and aggravated child neglect. She remains held in the Davidson County Jail on $150,000 bond.