- The parents of a 5-year-old child who fatally shot his brother have been charged with the death.
- According to prosecutors, both children tested positive for drugs, with the 5-year-old having cocaine in his system.
- When officers searched the apartment, they discovered an unsecured gun, fentanyl pills, and marijuana.
Authorities in Lafayette, Indiana, report that a 5-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his 18-month-old brother after finding a handgun.
Both children had drugs in their system, leading the parents to face charges of neglect and drug offenses.
Shatia Welch, 24, and Deonta Johnson, 27, were arrested in connection with the incident. The identity of the 5-year-old has not been disclosed.
This tragic case highlights the rare but persistent occurrence of children accessing firearms and causing harm. Studies suggest that such incidents happen multiple times each year.
Court records reveal that the parents face charges of neglect resulting in death, as well as other neglect and drug-related offenses. Johnson also faces an obstruction of justice charge.
According to a probable-cause affidavit, the handgun was found by the 5-year-old in their apartment. Further investigations uncovered additional unsecured firearms, drugs, and paraphernalia.
Test results from the autopsy confirm that both children had drugs in their system, with the 18-month-old testing positive for marijuana and the 5-year-old for cocaine.
Surveillance footage shows Johnson placing a bag in his car following the shooting, which later revealed marijuana. The trials for both parents are scheduled for later this year.
A research study conducted by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital documented 279 firearm fatalities involving children between 2009 and 2018. The study found that in cases where a child fired the gun, the victim’s brother was the shooter 50% of the time.
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