A tragic accident in Montana ended with a 3-year-old child fatally shot by an unattended firearm at their home. The child’s father, 24-year-old Timothy, has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide.
Details of the Incident
At around 10:05 a.m., the local Sheriff’s Office received a report about a child who had been shot. Deputies and emergency responders arrived to find the toddler with a gunshot wound to the face. Despite efforts to save him, the child was pronounced dead at a nearby medical center.
Father’s Account and Arrest
Timothy was found outside the home in an altered mental state and was taken into custody. He told investigators that he had left a loaded gun on the living room sofa before stepping outside to smoke. He heard a popping noise, returned inside, and found his child holding the gun with a wound to the head.
Evidence Found at the Scene
Police found a firearm and two magazines in Timothy’s pants pocket. He also showed signs of intravenous drug use, including track marks on his arm. Inside the residence, authorities discovered drug paraphernalia and a substance believed to be methamphetamine.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Timothy is being held at the county detention center with a $500,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for June 11. The child’s body has been sent to the Montana State Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Importance of Firearm Safety
This heartbreaking case highlights the dangers of leaving firearms unsecured, especially around children. Montana officials are continuing their investigation to fully understand the circumstances.