Three-year-old Christopher Griffith died from a gunshot wound inside his family’s home on Van Wedding Road in Sunman, Indiana, on February 26, 2016. Christopher’s mother, Samantha Griffith, placed him on a bed where the firearm was located; the child picked up the gun and it discharged, striking his chest.

The Dearborn County Coroner reported no prior signs of abuse or injury. Both parents were charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death; they initially pleaded not guilty and were later indicted by a grand jury in January 2017. In February 2018 Shane and Samantha Griffith entered plea agreements, each pleading guilty to reduced charges of neglect of a dependent and criminal recklessness. Sentencing included a six-year term for Shane with part to be served in jail, and for Samantha six years plus 210 days of probation with a period of in-home incarceration.

If anyone knew the family or has information about safety practices or storage in that household, please share what might help prevent similar tragedies.