Father Charged in Accidental Shooting Death of 6-Year-Old

Montgomery County prosecutors say the father faces involuntary manslaughter and child neglect charges.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark background, lit by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing the aftermath of an accidental shooting.A single bullet casing left behind after a tragic accidental shooting serves as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership.Montgomery Village Today

A father in Montgomery Village, Maryland has been indicted on charges including involuntary manslaughter and child neglect after his 6-year-old son accidentally shot and killed himself with a firearm that was unsecured in the home.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the importance of responsible gun ownership and storage, especially in homes with young children. It also raises questions about potential criminal liability for parents when unsecured firearms lead to accidental deaths.

The details

According to prosecutors, the 6-year-old boy found an unsecured firearm in the home and accidentally shot himself in the face, resulting in his death. The father now faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and child neglect for allegedly failing to properly secure the weapon.

  • The incident occurred on April 5, 2026 in Montgomery Village, Maryland.

The players

Montgomery County Prosecutors

The local prosecutors who have brought charges against the father in this case.

The Father

The 6-year-old boy's father, who is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter and child neglect.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is a tragic and preventable loss of a young life. Responsible gun ownership, especially in homes with children, is critical to avoid these types of devastating accidents.”

— Montgomery County Prosecutor

What’s next

The father is expected to appear in court next week for a bail hearing as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident underscores the urgent need for greater education and enforcement around safe firearm storage, especially in homes with minors, to prevent future accidental shootings and loss of young life.