COVINGTON, Ky. — A tragic incident in Covington, Kentucky has resulted in the death of a 2-year-old boy after his 3-year-old brother gained access to a loaded gun and accidentally shot him. The parents of the toddler have been charged with manslaughter, highlighting the importance of proper gun storage and supervision of children, according to Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney Rob Sanders.
Sanders emphasized that both deaths that occurred recently in Covington, including the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old by another minor, could have been prevented with better gun safety practices. He highlighted the need for adults to ensure that guns are not accessible to children.
The parents of the 2-year-old boy, Selena Farrell and Tashaun Adams, were arrested and charged with manslaughter. The tragedy took place in their Latonia home on Monday when their 3-year-old son found the loaded gun and then accidentally shot his brother.
During a court appearance, Farrell pleaded not guilty to the charges. She is also facing additional charges, including possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and abandonment of a minor. Adams, who was with Farrell in a hotel room, was charged with manslaughter and hindering prosecution.
Another suspect, Jeremiah Thomas, was arrested for helping Farrell hide in the hotel room. He was booked into the Boone County Jail on a charge of hindering prosecution but was released on his own recognizance.
The incident occurred when Covington Police received a report of a child shot on Monday. Officers found the 2-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to the chest and bleeding profusely. The child was transported to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center but later succumbed to his injuries. A handgun was found discarded on the stove.
Farrell fled before the police arrived, citing a warrant for a probation violation. She later told the police that she knew her son was going to die and wanted to be able to attend his funeral. Sanders stated that the 3-year-old boy involved in the shooting admitted to accessing the gun from a drawer.
While guns play a significant role in this tragic event, Sanders clarified that the focus should be on ensuring children’s safety through proper supervision and secure gun storage. Authorities are still looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident and are examining the role of previous interventions, if any, in this case.
The incident has caught the attention of the community, highlighting the consequences of negligence when it comes to firearm safety. As investigations continue, it is clear that this heartbreaking event underscores the pressing need for responsible gun ownership and an unwavering commitment to protecting children from such preventable tragedies.