Authorities say a loaded handgun was left accessible inside a Wichita home where a 3-year-old girl shot her younger sister.
WICHITA, Kan. — A 1-year-old girl died after being shot in the head by her 3-year-old sister who found a loaded handgun inside their family home, according to Wichita police. The shooting happened Feb. 28, and the children’s father has since been arrested and charged in connection with the case.
The case has drawn attention to questions about firearm access and child safety after investigators alleged the weapon was left where young children could reach it. Prosecutors have filed multiple charges against the father, including first-degree murder in the commission of a felony, while authorities continue reviewing evidence surrounding the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.
According to investigators, emergency dispatchers received a call from the home on the evening of Feb. 28. During the call, the children’s father, Michael Tejeda, 25, reported that his 3-year-old daughter had shot her younger sister. Responding officers and firefighters arrived at the residence and found the infant suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The child was transported to Wesley Medical Center for emergency treatment but was later pronounced dead. Authorities said the shooting occurred after the older child obtained a loaded handgun that had been left inside the residence. Investigators have not indicated that the shooting was intentional. Statements provided to police indicated that Tejeda was in another room when he heard what he described as a loud bang. Moments later, he allegedly discovered the injured child and called for help.
Police records indicate that officers interviewed witnesses and examined the firearm after arriving at the scene. A responding officer reported seeing firefighters carrying the injured child from the residence as emergency crews worked to provide medical aid. Court records allege the handgun was accessible to the children at the time of the shooting. Investigators have not publicly released additional details about exactly where the weapon was stored or how long it had been within reach. Authorities also have not disclosed whether any other adults were present in the home when the shooting occurred. The identity of the child has not been widely released because of her age. Officials have described the incident as a preventable tragedy involving very young children and a loaded firearm.
The case follows a series of incidents across the United States in which children have gained access to unsecured firearms inside homes. Such cases frequently lead to criminal investigations focused on storage practices and whether adults violated laws intended to prevent children from accessing weapons. In Kansas and other states, prosecutors may pursue charges when investigators conclude that negligent handling or storage of a firearm contributed to a death or serious injury. Child-access prevention laws vary by jurisdiction, but prosecutors often examine whether a weapon was loaded, secured, or otherwise protected from minors. The Wichita case stands out because both children involved were toddlers, underscoring the vulnerability of very young children in homes where firearms are present.
Following the investigation, prosecutors charged Tejeda with first-degree murder in the commission of a felony, two counts of aggravated child endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon. Court proceedings are expected to determine whether the evidence supports those allegations. Authorities have not announced a trial date. Defense arguments, if any, have not yet been detailed in publicly available court records. Investigators continue to review evidence collected from the residence, including the firearm and witness statements. Additional filings and hearings are expected as the criminal case moves through the Kansas court system.
Neighbors and first responders were confronted with a scene that investigators described as heartbreaking. Emergency personnel attempted to save the child after arriving at the home, but medical efforts were unsuccessful. The case has generated strong reactions because of the ages of the children involved. Officials have emphasized the devastating consequences of a firearm falling into the hands of a young child. While many questions about the moments leading up to the shooting remain unanswered, investigators say the central facts of the case are no longer in dispute: a toddler obtained a loaded handgun and another child died as a result.
The case remains active. Prosecutors are expected to continue presenting evidence as court proceedings move forward, while investigators complete their review of the fatal shooting that occurred on Feb. 28.
Author note: Last updated May 28, 2026.