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6-year-old Indiana girl killed by father in accidental shooting

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WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ind. — A young girl was accidentally shot in the head by her father while he was cleaning a gun Friday night near Salem, Indiana according to Indiana State Police. 

Six-year-old Makayla S. Bowling's father told police that he was cleaning the gun when it accidentally discharged, striking his daughter in the head. The father said he thought the gun was unloaded. 

A press release from state police said the Washington County Sheriff's Department was called to the residence in the 5000 block of South PD Baker Road around 10:30 p.m. 

Makayla was airlifted to Norton Children's Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky where she did not survive. 

Investigators and crime scene detectives from the Indiana State Police were asked to help the Washington County Sheriff's Department.

The case is still under investigation but Indiana State Police say detectives don't think foul play was involved.