Robert Michael Reaves was a 2-year-old White boy from the Leighton area who died on July 14, 2016, after a gunshot at a friend’s home between about 5:30 and 6:00 that evening. Early accounts said the wound initially appeared self-inflicted after the child found a firearm inside the house; authorities also reported the gun did not belong to Robert’s father.

Subsequent reporting and the indictment shifted attention to the adults and the conditions in the home. Prosecutors alleged a loaded firearm with a live round in the chamber was left where a small child could reach it, and one report said other loaded guns were found in the bedroom. In August 2016 William Whitfield and Chelsie Whitfield were indicted on manslaughter charges, turned themselves in, and were released on $5,000 bond each. By January 2017 the couple pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide; court reporting said they apologized to Robert’s family and that sentencing could be deferred with potential dismissal after a year.

Did anyone in the Leighton area have information about the night Robert was at that house or about firearm storage in the home?