In a distressing incident, a man from Michigan has been charged with child abuse following a tragic event where his 8-year-old son accidentally shot himself in the head after finding an unsecured gun in their home.
During a court appearance on Friday, Magistrate Malaika Ramsey-Heath of the 36th District Court stated that Kayvon Barrett, the father, waited for a troubling 10 minutes before dialing 911 after the shooting occurred at their residence in Detroit.
Ramsey-Heath expressed her concern, saying, "Calls to 911 were delayed by 10 minutes. The adults around were more concerned with their own problems." A prosecutor revealed that the boy's mother had urged Barrett to call 911, warning that she would do so herself if he didn't.
The prosecutor added a poignant statement, emphasizing the collective responsibility in the house, saying, "I honestly blame everyone in this house for not being more observant of weapons that could hurt children."
Barrett now faces four counts of second-degree child abuse in light of these circumstances. The young boy, following surgery after the Tuesday shooting, remains in critical condition.
Ramsey-Heath highlighted that Child Protective Services had visited Barrett on multiple occasions over the past five years, citing findings of physical neglect and abuse, despite Barrett not having any prior convictions.
She expressed discomfort about the argument that this incident resulted from neglect, raising concerns about Barrett's potential danger to the children.
Prosecutors noted that other children were present in the home when the shooting took place. Barrett's attorney called for further investigation and suggested that more than one adult might have had access to a gun in the home during the incident.
Barrett's bond has been set at $100,000, and if he is able to post bail, he will be required to wear an ankle monitor and will have restrictions preventing him from having contact with children.
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