An Indiana man has been arrested after a 6-year-old boy took a loaded, unsecured handgun and fatally shot his 4-year-old sister.
The incident took place on July 5, according to Cumberland Police, who secured a warrant for the arrest of Terrelle Shawn Jackson on August 15 and was arrested on September 8.
Police said they were called the home at about 4:30 p.m. on July 5 and immediately entered when they heard screaming coming from the second floor, as CrimeOnline previously reported. They found Deor Neita with a gunshot wound to the head and unsuccessfully attempted live-saving measures.
Police said that investigators learned that Jackson lived at the home and shared a child with Neita’s mother. Four children, all under 6, knew about the gun, loaded with an extended magazine and without a gunlock or safety engaged, and and took it out to play.
The 6-year-old shot his sister. Police say they believe he had no “intention on harming any individual nor had the understanding of the devastation a firearm can create.”
At the end of their six-week investigation, police determined that Jackson — who was barred from owning a handgun by law — was the owner of the weapon that killed the little girl and had failed to properly secure it.
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office charged him with neglect of a dependent causing death. He was also charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He is being held without bond and is due in court in January.
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[Featured image: Terrelle Jackson/Marion County Sheriff’s Office]
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