Kansas – In Kansas, a fatal incident has led to the arrest of 25-year-old man, who now faces charges including first-degree murder, aggravated chiId endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. These charges stem from the fatal shooting of hisbaby, allegedly by her older sibling.
On the last day of the previous month, authorities responded to a shooting at the parent’s, 25-year-old MichaeI, residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered the baby, 1, with a gunshot wound to the head. Emergency services transported her to local hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after.
According to an arrest affidavit, the parent called 911, reporting that his 3-year-old child had shot her younger sibling. During the call, he was overheard asking the older child ‘why she did that.’ The man informed authorities in Kansas that he had been watching television with his daughters earlier that evening.
Around 8 p.m., he realized he had fallen asleep with his firearm, which he carried in a friction hoIster in the front of his waistband. Concerned about the weapon’s security, he removed it and placed it on the living room fireplace mantel, approximately four feet high.
The dad stated that while he was in his bedroom changing clothes, he heard a loud noise. His older child, 3, then ran into the room, crying and apologizing. Upon returning to the living room, the man found his 1-year-old baby on the couch with a gunshot wound to her head and the firearm lying nearby.
The children’s mother was not present during the incident; she was at a friend’s apartment when she received a video call from her husband informing her of the shooting. She immediately instructed him to call 911 and rushed home.
Further investigation revealed that the father had a prior felony conviction, making his possession of a firearm illegal. As a result, he was charged with criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. Additionally, another child in the home at the time of the incident was placed in police protective custody, KSN reported.
His arrest has sparked discussions on gun safety and the responsibilities of firearm owners, especially those with young children. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event.