Mom Charged After 7-Year-Old Daughter Shoots Herself in Pelvis

Alysha Gulley allegedly lied about a drive-by shooting after the child found an unsecured gun in the family's vehicle.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent 9mm shell casing against a pitch-black background, conveying the serious, investigative nature of this accidental shooting incident without depicting any violence or victims.A single spent shell casing from the unsecured handgun that accidentally discharged, injuring a young child, underscores the grave consequences of firearm negligence.Indianapolis Today

A 37-year-old Indiana mother has been charged with multiple counts of neglect after her 7-year-old daughter accidentally shot herself in the pelvis while searching for the mother's vape in an unsecured backpack containing a loaded handgun. Alysha Gulley initially claimed the shooting was the result of a drive-by incident, but police found no evidence to support that story and determined the shooting happened inside the family's vehicle.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers of unsecured firearms, especially in vehicles with children present. It also raises questions about the responsibility of gun owners to properly store their weapons and the potential legal consequences when negligence leads to a child being injured.

The details

According to police, the shooting happened on November 16, 2025, as Gulley and her children were returning home from a dollar store. Gulley told officers she heard a 'loud boom' while driving and realized her daughter had been shot, believing the gunfire came from outside the vehicle. However, police found no evidence of a shooter in the area and noted there was no exterior damage to Gulley's minivan. Investigators determined the shooting occurred inside the car, where multiple bullet holes were located, including one where the child had been seated. Police recovered a loaded 9mm handgun from an unzipped backpack on the rear floorboard, with a spent casing in the chamber.

  • The shooting occurred on November 16, 2025, around 5:45 p.m.
  • Gulley was arrested and charged several months later, in April 2026.

The players

Alysha Gulley

A 37-year-old Indiana mother who was charged with multiple counts of neglect, including one count of neglect resulting in bodily injury, after her 7-year-old daughter accidentally shot herself.

The 7-year-old daughter

Gulley's child who accidentally shot herself in the pelvis while searching for her mother's vape in an unsecured backpack containing a loaded handgun.

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What they’re saying

“The child said she did not know there was a gun inside the backpack or even in the vehicle, and added that she does not get into trouble.”

— The 7-year-old daughter

What’s next

Gulley is scheduled to appear in court for an initial hearing on April 17, 2026.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical importance of responsible gun ownership and proper firearm storage, especially in households with children. It also highlights the legal consequences that can arise when negligence leads to a child being harmed.