An unspeakable tragedy unfolded in Evansville, Indiana, as a 3-year-old boy died after accidentally shooting himself with his father's gun. WISH-TV reported that the incident occurred on Saturday in an apartment on Florence Avenue. The child's father, Jovontae Carter, has been placed under arrest facing multiple charges, including neglect of a dependent causing death.
The Evansville Police Department was called to the scene after a 911 caller reported that her nephew had shot himself. According to WTHR, paramedics quickly took the victim to a local hospital, but he was pronounced dead from the injuries sustained. Witness statements, as obtained by WTHR, revealed the boy discovered the gun tucked under a couch cushion inside a home.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Evansville authorities located Carter with a handgun magazine and marijuana. He later admitted to detectives that he disposed of the gun in the creek, stating he "did not want to see it again," as documented in a social media post by the Evansville Police Department. Additionally, Carter reportedly confirmed he routinely stored the firearm under the couch cushions and insisted the safety had been on when he hid it.
The handgun used in the fatal shooting was not initially found at the scene but was later discovered in the yard of a nearby house. Police have arrested and charged Carter with neglect of a dependent resulting in death, unlawful carrying of handgun by a felon, and possession of marijuana. WISH-TV detailed that Carter's bail was set at $50,000 and an initial court hearing is scheduled for Monday morning.
