Leonardo Navarro, 13, died on February 3, 2018, after an accidental shooting at a home in the 600 block of West Polk Street in Santa Maria, California. He was critically injured and airlifted to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where he later died.

The firearm was being handled by his older brother, Fernando Navarro, then 19, when it unintentionally discharged. Fernando was on probation at the time and prohibited from handling firearms. He was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter, discharge of a firearm with gross negligence, and unlawful firearm activity. Fernando initially pleaded not guilty but later accepted a plea agreement that included a felony count of involuntary manslaughter and a misdemeanor unlawful firearm activity plea.

In September 2018 Fernando Navarro was sentenced to four years and eight months, with three years to be served in prison and one year and eight months under community supervision; he was ordered to pay $10,894.50 to the California Victim Compensation Board, undergo mental health treatment, and abstain from drugs and alcohol. He was allowed a temporary release from jail to attend Leonardo’s funeral while escorted by sheriff’s deputies.

If anyone knew Leonardo or has information about the circumstances that led to the shooting, please share what you know.