Michigan mother charged after 3-year-old accidentally shoots himself

Daniellys Villegas-Moreno faces charges under Michigan's gun storage law after her son shot himself with an unsecured firearm.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:47pm

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A 24-year-old Metro Detroit woman has been charged under Michigan's safe storage law after her 3-year-old son accidentally shot himself with an unsecured gun. Prosecutors say the incident occurred on January 20, 2026, and the child is in stable condition.

Why it matters

Michigan's firearm safe storage statute is intended to reduce preventable deaths and injuries, including incidents of youth self-harm and gun-related violence. This case highlights the importance of properly securing firearms in households with children present.

The details

According to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, Daniellys Villegas-Moreno was arraigned on Tuesday and received a $10,000 cash/surety bond. She is ordered not to use or possess a firearm, must wear a GPS tether if released, and cannot leave the state of Michigan. Prosecutors say the 3-year-old shot himself in the hand with a firearm that did not have a gunlock.

  • On January 20, 2026, Villegas-Moreno's son shot himself with an unsecured firearm.
  • On January 28, 2026, Villegas-Moreno was arraigned and charged under Michigan's safe storage law.
  • On February 10, 2026, Villegas-Moreno is due back in court for a probable cause conference.
  • On February 17, 2026, Villegas-Moreno is due back in court for a preliminary exam.

The players

Daniellys Villegas-Moreno

A 24-year-old Metro Detroit woman who has been charged under Michigan's safe storage law after her 3-year-old son accidentally shot himself with an unsecured gun.

Peter J. Lucido

The Macomb County Prosecutor who stated that Michigan's firearm safe storage statute is designed to reduce preventable deaths and injuries, including incidents of youth self-harm and gun-related violence.

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What they’re saying

“Michigan's firearm safe storage statute is designed to reduce preventable deaths and injuries, including incidents of youth self-harm and gun-related violence. My office has prioritized public awareness so residents understand their legal responsibilities. If a firearm is in a household where children could gain access, it must be stored in a locked container or fitted with a device that makes it unusable.”

— Peter J. Lucido, Macomb County Prosecutor (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on February 10, 2026 whether or not to allow Villegas-Moreno out on bail. A preliminary exam is scheduled for February 17, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of properly securing firearms in households with children present, in order to prevent tragic accidents and uphold Michigan's firearm safe storage laws. It underscores the need for continued public awareness and education around responsible gun ownership.