5-year-old boy died after he got access to his mother’s gun she previously left on a dresser before he began playing with it and shot himself in the face; mother sentenced
Michigan – A disturbing incident in Michigan ended tragically for a young boy who accidentally shot himself in the face with a loaded gun left unattended by his mother. The 25-year-old mother, identified as H. Brown, was sentenced to six months in prison in connection with her 5-year-old son’s death. While this incident was unfortunate and heartbreaking, it could have ended far more tragically, as the boy shot himself in the presence of his four siblings, according to reports.
On December 9, authorities responded to an urgent call at an apartment complex. Upon arrival, officers were confronted with a devastating scene: a 5-year-old boy had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to his face. The child was quickly transported to a hospital,, where he was pronounced dead. The investigation revealed that the firearm was carelessly left on a dresser in the apartment while the children were playing in the room. The boy, reportedly jumping on a bed, found and accidentally discharged the weapon, leading to the tragic outcome.
In the aftermath, Brown and the boy’s father, S. Minion, 33, were charged with multiple offenses. Brown pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in July and received a six-month prison sentence. Additional charges against her included second-degree child abuse and firearm violations. Minion faces his own set of charges, including involuntary manslaughter, firearm violations, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and second-degree child abuse, with his sentencing scheduled for September 20. In a public statement, the boy’s father, expressed his shock and grief. He attributed the accessibility of the gun to an oversight by Brown, indicating that she had “misplaced it,” allowing their son to access it.
The couple’s negligence has sparked a broader conversation about gun safety in homes with children. Prosecutor K. Worthy expressed frustration and sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the critical need for responsible gun storage. “What is it going to take for gun owners to store their weapons safely when children are in their homes?” she questioned, highlighting the unnecessary loss of life due to carelessness.
Police Chief J. White condemned the parents’ actions as “completely ridiculous, irresponsible, stupid and unnecessary.” His sentiment reflects a community exasperated by repeated incidents of gun-related accidents involving children. This particular case, occurring just weeks before Christmas, has left the community and law enforcement officials deeply distressed.
The boy’s aunt launched a GoFundMe to support the family through this difficult time. She described the 5-year-old boy as an “amazing, adventurous, handsome” child loved dearly by his siblings and adored by his family. The fundraising page calls for prayers and support for a family trying to navigate through their profound loss. As this case progresses to the final sentencing of Minion, it serves as a somber reminder of the importance of gun safety and the potentially fatal consequences of negligence.
