An Indiana mother is facing charges after her toddler son fatally shot himself with her firearm. Keiara Bickett, 28, has been indicted with neglect of a dependent resulting in death, according to court documents from Marion County. A judge has issued a no-contact order for Bickett’s 9-year-old daughter, who was present during the tragic incident in June.
The incident occurred on June 19, when Bickett was in a CVS parking lot on East 46th Street in Indianapolis. Her son, Javarius Bickett, reportedly reached into her unzipped purse and retrieved a 9mm Glock Model 26 Gen 5 handgun. Before Bickett or her daughter could react, the toddler fired the weapon, striking himself in the head.
Bickett immediately called 911 to report her son’s injuries, but he was declared dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital. She was charged the following day. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears emphasized the importance of safe storage and responsible gun ownership in the wake of the incident, stating that without basic licensing and training for gun owners, families remain at risk.
Bickett was visibly distraught in court when the no-contact order was announced. Her daughter will be cared for by her grandmother until at least September 22, when the judge will review the no-contact order in consultation with the Indiana Department of Child Services.
Bickett’s jury trial is set to commence on November 18. If found guilty, she could face a prison sentence ranging from 20 to 40 years. However, Bickett’s mother, Melissa Etheridge, believes the potential punishment is too severe for what she describes as an “accident.” Etheridge defended her daughter, stating that while she may have been negligent in not securing the gun, she would never intentionally harm her children.
Etheridge further expressed her belief that the punishment being considered is excessive. She stated that her daughter is being unfairly portrayed as an evil person, when in reality, she is a loving mother.