An Indiana woman is accused of allowing her 2-year-old son to gain access to her gun and then shooting himself in the head, killing him.
Keiara Bickett, 28, has been charged with neglect of a dependent that resulted in death, according to Marion County court records.
A judge issued a no-contact order Friday for Bickett’s 9-year-old daughter, who witnessed her brother’s fatal shooting in June, according to local NBC affiliate WTHR.
On June 19, Bickett was in the CVS parking lot at the 2300 block of East 46th Street in Indianapolis. Her son, Javarius Bickett, allegedly reached into her unzipped purse and pulled out a 9mm Glock Model 26 Gen 5 handgun, according to the outlet. Before the mother or daughter realized what was going on, the little boy fired a shot that struck him in the head.
Keiara Bickett called 911 to report her son’s injuries, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital, according to authorities. Court records show that she was charged the following day.
Following the shooting, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears stated, “Until our state requires basic licensing and training for gun owners, families will remain at risk.” “Safe storage and responsible gun owner are not optional — it’s a matter of life and death.”
The mother sobbed in court as the judge announced the no-contact order. The daughter will be cared for by her grandmother until at least September 22, when the judge will reconsider the no-contact order after hearing from the Indiana Department of Child Services, according to WTHR.
Keiara Bickett’s jury trial is scheduled to start on November 18. If convicted of the charges, she could face 20 to 40 years in prison.
Bickett’s mother believes that the possible punishment is excessive for a “accident.”
“It was an absolute accident,” Melissa Etheridge told the local TV station. “She may have been negligent in not keeping the gun in a safe place, but she would never harm one of her children. She absolutely adores her children. It’s tearing me up. It’s tearing her daughter apart.”
The defendant’s mother continued, “I know she should be punished for what happened, but that’s just too much. Everyone paints a picture of her as evil. “She is an excellent mother.”
