Child’s Death Sparks Criminal Case Over Unsafe Gun Storage
A heartbreaking incident in Lansing, Michigan, has led to criminal charges against a 22-year-old man after a 4-year-old girl died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a home. Police were called to the residence on January 21 and found the child with a fatal injury, despite life-saving efforts by first responders. Authorities say the girl was able to access a firearm that had not been securely stored.
Charges Filed Against Young Man in Connection With Unsecured Firearm
Officials identified the suspect as Maliki Pendergrass, 22, who has been charged with several felonies related to improper firearm storage and illegal possession of a weapon. Prosecutors allege Pendergrass, who has a prior felony conviction and was legally barred from possessing a gun, failed to keep the firearm in a safe manner, enabling the tragic outcome.
Bond for Pendergrass has been set at $1 million, and he is expected to return to court for further proceedings.
Officials Call for Better Gun Safety to Prevent Future Tragedies
Ingham County Prosecutor John J. Dewane released a statement stressing that the young girl’s death was “completely preventable” if the firearm had been stored in compliance with Michigan’s safe-storage laws, such as using a gun lock or secure safe. He emphasized the need for greater awareness and adherence to gun safety practices to protect children from similar accidents.
