Child found gun in father’s pocket after he fell asleep, police say
NASHVILLE, TN – A 6-year-old boy died after police say he shot himself with a handgun that was in his father’s pocket while the man slept inside a home on Qualynn Drive. The child, identified as Steven Lamont Ricks, was rushed to a hospital and later pronounced dead after being placed on life support.
Steven Lamont Phillips, 56, now faces a criminal homicide charge in connection with the shooting. He was initially charged with aggravated child neglect and unlawful gun possession, but those charges were upgraded following the child’s death, according to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
Police account of events
The shooting happened Saturday at a residence in the 3100 block of Qualynn Drive. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by The Tennessean, Phillips had been caring for his son while the child’s legal guardian, identified as Phillips’ sister, was also in the home but had gone to take a nap.
Phillips told investigators he had been doing yard work when he found a .380 caliber pistol in a ditch and placed it in his pocket before returning inside. He later played with his son in the living room before falling asleep on the floor.
Police said Phillips reported that he “awoke to the sound of a gunshot” after falling asleep “after playing with the child in the living room,” according to a department statement. He also described seeing a muzzle flash and realized the boy had shot himself in the head.
Phillips then yelled for his sister to call 911, authorities said. The child was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Investigation and arrest details
Phillips was arrested the following day. Investigators said he was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction.
When questioned about the weapon, Phillips allegedly told investigators his phone was dead when asked why he did not report finding the gun. When asked why he did not use another phone, he said that after returning inside, “he started playing with his son and did not think about it,” according to the affidavit.
Family remembrance
A GoFundMe created in the child’s memory described Steven Lamont Ricks as “Junebug,” a young boy with autism. “He had so much life ahead of him, and now it’s been cut short in the most heartbreaking way,” the fundraiser states. “We are devastated by the loss of Junebug, who was shot and killed at just 6 years old.”
