La Porte, IN – A 5-year-old Indiana boy accidentally shot his 16-month-old baby brother to death while allegedly being under the influence of cocaine.
It was also revealed that the deceased toddler had traces of marijuana in his system. As a result, prosecutors have unsealed neglect and drug charges against the boys’ parents, Deonta Jermaine Johnson, 27, and Shatia Tiara Welch, 24.
The arrest of the couple on the new charges took place on Monday in La Porte, Indiana, as reported by the Lafayette Journal & Courier.
The tragic event occurred in the family’s residence, described by authorities as a drug den where dangerous substances were accessible to young children.
According to police, Isiah Johnson, the 16-month-old baby, lost his life due to a gunshot wound to the head after his older brother came across a loaded handgun within the premises.
During the subsequent investigation, Deonta Jermaine Johnson claimed that he was napping on the couch at the time of the incident, only to be awakened by a sudden “boom.”
Upon rushing to the scene, he discovered his younger son’s lifeless body, as mentioned in a probable cause affidavit.
Prosecutors, in an announcement regarding the charges, disclosed the alarming discovery that the deceased toddler had traces of marijuana in his system. Equally disturbing, the 5-year-old brother tested positive for cocaine, suggesting he was under the influence of the illicit substance when the fatal accident occurred.
Following the shooting incident, a search of the couple’s Lafayette apartment by the police uncovered a disturbing cache of illicit substances and drug-related items. Among the discoveries were 93 fentanyl pills, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
During the investigation, the mother, Shatia Tiara Welch, admitted to ownership of the firearm involved in the shooting. She asserted that the gun was typically stored in a locked box beneath her bed, raising concerns about its accessibility to young children.