On July 15, 2026, 10-year-old Malaysia Robertson of Gary, Indiana, was found in her home with a fatal gunshot wound. Malaysia, who had autism, was discovered in another bedroom after her father, 29-year-old Mykael Robertson, returned from briefly stepping out to walk the dog and make a phone call. He began chest compressions until first responders arrived.

Investigators concluded the shooting was accidental and self-inflicted. Authorities say two firearms had been kept in the top drawer of the father’s bedroom dresser. Mykael Robertson told detectives he usually stored the guns unloaded and did not believe Malaysia knew their location or could operate them. Two other children, ages 6 and 7, were in the home and were unharmed.

Mykael Robertson was arrested and charged with six felony counts of neglect of a dependent and released on $50,000 bond. The children’s mother said Robertson had recently lost his job and was caring for the children and that she did not believe he would intentionally harm them. The case highlights unsafe firearm storage as a central factor in this tragedy.

Did anyone in Gary know the family or have information about the home’s circumstances that day?