Michigan father charged with child abuse after son, 8, accidentally shoots himself in head with his gun

Michigan Man Charged with Child Abuse After Son Accidentally Shoots Himself

A Michigan man is facing charges of child abuse after his 8-year-old son discovered an unsecured gun in their home, resulting in an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

In a court session held on Friday, State 36th District Court Magistrate Malaika Ramsey-Heath revealed that Kayvon Barrett waited a troubling 10 minutes before making a 911 call following the incident in their Detroit residence. She pointed out, “Calls to 911 were delayed by 10 minutes, and the adults present seemed more focused on their own issues.”

The prosecutor disclosed that the boy’s mother had to prompt Barrett, telling him, “You need to call 911, or I’m going to call 911.”

Barrett now faces four counts of second-degree child abuse in light of the unfortunate incident. The young boy underwent surgery and remains in critical condition since the incident occurred on Tuesday.

Ramsey-Heath noted that Child Protective Services had visited Barrett’s home on multiple occasions over the past five years. “Despite not having any convictions, there have been findings of physical neglect and abuse. The argument that this resulted from neglect doesn’t provide confidence that he is not a threat to the children,” she remarked.

During the incident, there were other children in the house, according to prosecutors.

Barrett’s attorney argued that further investigation is necessary and suggested that more than one adult in the house may have had access to firearms during the incident.

Barrett’s bond has been set at $100,000, and should he secure his release, he will be required to wear an ankle monitor and refrain from any contact with children.