An eight-year-old named Atillio Niklaus Tilly Stanley died from a gunshot at a home on East Eloika Lake Road in Deer Park, Washington, on the evening of September 28, 2023. Deputies and medical personnel arrived about 9:35 p.m.; Atillio was pronounced dead at the scene. Major Crimes detectives later led the investigation.

According to court paperwork and witness accounts, four children aged five to fourteen and one adult were in the house. The children discovered a handgun in a dresser drawer; the oldest brother took it away but a middle brother then picked it up and cocked it, at which point the weapon discharged and struck Atillio. The children’s father later told investigators the handgun belonged to a friend and had been stored in his bedroom drawer. A search warrant was filed seeking evidence related to murder and manslaughter, and the Spokane County Medical Examiner identified the victim while listing cause and manner pending further investigation.

If anyone was at the house that night or has information about how the gun came to be stored there, please share what is known.