Tragic Kansas Shooting Leads to Guilty Plea
A Kansas father has admitted guilt in a heartbreaking case involving the death of his young daughter after an unsecured firearm was left within reach of a child.
Michael Tejeda, 26, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, two counts of aggravated child endangerment, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon. The plea comes more than a year after a fatal shooting inside the family’s Wichita home.
Authorities said the incident occurred in February 2025 when Tejeda was caring for his two daughters. During the evening, his 3-year-old daughter reportedly gained access to a handgun and accidentally shot her 21-month-old sister, Myla.
Investigation Revealed Firearm Was Left Accessible
According to court records, the father had removed the firearm from its holster while spending time in the living room with his children. Investigators later learned that the older child was already familiar with the weapon and had previously shown curiosity about it.
Emergency responders arrived after a 911 call was placed from the home. The injured toddler was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
During the investigation, Tejeda reportedly acknowledged that he should have secured the firearm and admitted he knew better than to leave it accessible around children.
Plea Agreement Drops Original Murder Charge
Prosecutors initially filed a first-degree murder charge along with additional child endangerment and firearm-related offenses. Under the plea agreement, the more serious murder charge was dropped in exchange for guilty pleas on the remaining counts.
Both the prosecution and defense are expected to recommend a mid-range sentence, with the penalties running consecutively. Tejeda is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9.
The case has renewed conversations about firearm safety and the importance of securely storing guns in homes where children are present.
