A Maryland grandmother was sentenced to four years behind bars after her 9-year-old grandson accidentally shot and killed a 15-year-old girl while showing off a gun.
On Sept. 14, a judge in Baltimore Circuit Court sentenced April Gaskins, saying she failed to secure the gun. She was convicted of reckless endangerment and firearm access by a minor, according to a press release from the Baltimore City’s State Attorney’s Office.
“I hope this sentence makes it clear that in the City of Baltimore, we are holding everyone accountable for their role in proliferating violence, especially violence against our children,” State Attorney Ivan J. Bates said. “Responsible gun ownership can be a matter of life or death for parents and guardians.”
On Aug. 6, 2022, Gaskins’ 9-year-old grandson was reportedly sitting on his front porch and showing off a gun to a group of children when it discharged, striking 15-year-old Nykayla Strawder once in the head.
Authorities said the boy then dropped the gun and ran away.
Strawder was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Investigators learned that the gun was registered to Gaskins, who was also the 9-year-old’s legal guardian.
The grandmother told investigators that the handgun was her personal weapon and that she stored it on the floor of her bedroom closet.
Because of his age, the 9-year-old cannot face criminal charges in connection with the fatal shooting.
Brandon Mead, the attorney representing Gaskins, called the fatal incident a “horrendous tragedy” and said that his client thought the gun was unloaded.
“You’re dealing with a 55-year-old woman who has had no prior incidents, no prior interactions with the police department, no convictions, nothing,” attorney Mead.
He reportedly plans to file an appeal.
According to State Attorney Bates, this case shows “the deadly aftermath when people are careless with firearms.”
“I hope the Strawder family finds healing in today’s sentence,” he said.
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