FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — An 8-year-old Flora Vista girl who was accidentally shot by her younger sister is in stable condition.
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office says the girl was upgraded Saturday from critical condition at San Juan Regional Medical Center.
Det. Lt. Kyle Lincoln says the incident happened Friday when both girls and a third sister were helping their father clean the house.
According to Lincoln, the 6-year-old sibling dropped a rifle and hit the trigger, causing a gunshot wound to her sister's throat.
The girl was taken to an urgent care clinic but then transported to the medical center in Farmington.
Detectives have not yet determined if the father will be charged.
Lincoln says the family is cooperating with investigators.