A shocking case from Oneonta, Alabama has captured national attention after a 4-year-old boy accidentally shot himself in his home. While the child survived and is expected to fully recover, police discovered a disturbing scene inside the house, including snakes, mice, drugs, and loaded guns.
Following an investigation, the child’s parents — Cassandra Lynn Lutz (39) and Alexander Andrew Corrie (27) — have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty, reckless endangerment, and other related offences.
What Happened?
The incident took place on April 4, 2025, in the family’s home, located about 37 miles from Birmingham, Alabama. According to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, the young boy shot himself accidentally, injuring his arm and leg.
He was quickly taken to Children’s of Alabama Hospital in Birmingham, where doctors operated on him, and he is now recovering.
Disturbing Discoveries Inside the Home
When police entered the home after the shooting, they found around 30 snakes — some alive and some dead — kept in plastic containers without lids. Six of the snakes were dead and decomposing, kept in the same room as the living ones.
Police also found:
- Several boxes of mice
- A crocodile kept in an aquarium on a bathroom counter
- Drugs and drug-related items
- Unsecured firearms throughout the home
Officials described the home as extremely unsafe, especially for small children.
Other Children Removed from the Home
The Alabama Department of Human Resources has removed other children who were living in the home. Authorities said the home posed serious safety risks to all the children involved.
Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey said:
“Parents must ensure guns are properly stored in the home out of the reach of small children.”
She added that her office is working closely with law enforcement to ensure the protection and care of the children.
Charges and Possible Punishment
Both parents, Lutz and Corrie, are now facing multiple charges, including:
- Reckless endangerment
- Animal cruelty
- Child neglect
- Drug-related offences
If convicted on all charges, they could face heavy fines and up to 20 years in prison. Their court date has not yet been announced.