COOPER CITY, Fla. – A mother is opening up for the first time since her son was accidentally shot by a friend in Cooper City.
Eva Martin and her husband spoke Thursday at a firearms safety course hosted by the Broward Sheriff's Office.
The couple made an emotional plea just a few months after losing their son, Charlie Martin.
"I came out today to save another life, to make sure that guns are securely store," Martin said. "He was beautiful. He was perfect in every way. We miss him so much."
Charlie Martin, 14, was shot in the head in July while at a friend's house playing in the garage. That friend found an unsecured handgun and accidentally shot him. The boy ran from the scene but was arrested shortly after.
The Martins spoke about the importance of properly securing weapons and asking other people involved in their child's life about guns in their home.
BSO deputies spoke to young people about gun laws and safety as well.
Authorities said there is a need in the community to have an open conversation about gun safety following several child deaths in the state.
The BSO began the gun safety classes in October 2013. The next class is just before school ends for the summer, to make sure kids are educated before possibly spending hours unattended.
