In Detroit, a tragic incident led to child abuse charges for Kayvon Barrett, as his 8-year-old son accidentally shot himself with an unsecured gun at home.
The tragedy unfolded earlier this week, prompting a delayed call to 911, which caught the attention of authorities during the court proceedings.
Michigan Prosecutorial Focus
According to 36th District Court Magistrate Malaika Ramsey-Heath, Barrett waited 10 minutes before making the crucial emergency call, displaying a concerning lack of immediate action in a critical situation. Ramsey-Heath emphasized that the adults present at the time seemed more preoccupied with their own issues than prioritizing the child’s safety.
During the court hearing, a prosecutor highlighted the collective responsibility, stating, “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 as a result of the incident.
The young boy, gravely injured in the shooting, has already undergone surgery and remains in critical condition, adding a somber note to the incident.
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Child Protective Services Involvement Raises Alarms
Ramsey-Heath also revealed that Child Protective Services had visited Barrett multiple times over the past five years due to findings of physical neglect and abuse, despite him not having any previous convictions. This history raises concerns about the safety of the children residing in the household.
It was noted that there were other children present in the home at the time of the shooting, pointing to the potential broader risks posed by unsecured firearms.
Barrett’s attorney called for further investigation, suggesting that more than one adult in the home may have had access to firearms at the time.
Currently, Barrett’s bond has been set at $100,000, and if he is released on bail, he will be required to wear an ankle monitor and avoid contact with children.
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