According to authorities, a Florida woman has been charged for manslaughter following the accidental shooting death of her father by a gun she found in her parents’ home. The New York Times.
Marie Ayala (28), was charged Monday with manslaughter and culpable neglect. She also faces possession of a firearm made by a felon. According to Orange County Court records, she could spend up to 15 years prison for manslaughter.
“The gun was not properly stored,”In a statement, Orange County Sheriff John Mina stated. “In fact, it was easily accessible even to a 2-year-old, and the result is a tragedy.”
Cops say the boy’s father, Reggie Mabry, 26, was inside their Orlando home playing a video game last month when his 2-year-old son managed to grab a Glock 19 and shoot him in the back, killing him, The New York Times reported.
Authorities said it is not clear how the child obtained the gun.
According to NBC News reports, police say that Ayala performed CPR on Mabry when they arrived at the scene. Mabry was then taken to a hospital and declared dead.
According to the sheriff, all three children were at home when the shooting occurred. NBC News.
Initial evidence suggested that the attack was suicide. However, Ayala stated that her 5-year old son had told her that her younger brother had fired the weapon.
WKMG reported that the 5-year old also said the same thing to authorities.
“The children were not injured physically, but they will likely carry emotional wounds forever. Not only have they effectively lost both parents, the toddler who accidentally shot his father in the back will have to grow up with the knowledge that his actions caused his dad’s death. If you own a gun, always be responsible,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement to CBS News.
According to court records obtained from Inside Edition Digital, the shooting took place last week. A warrant for Ayala’s arrest was issued on June 2, according Court Records.
According to Inside Edition Digital court records, Ayala is currently being held in jail. She is currently being held on $12.650 cumulative bond for her charges.
Ayala is represented by a public lawyer. The public defender’s office declined to comment when asked about the case by Inside Edition Digital.
According to the sheriff both Ayala & Mabry had been convicted felons. They were therefore not permitted by law to own firearms. According to the sheriff, both Mabry and Ayala were placed on probation for child neglect as well as narcotics.
