Cartier Smith: Ohio toddler accidentally shoots himself with gun as mother faces manslaughter charges
A tragic accident in Ohio has left a three-year-old boy dead and his mother facing serious charges after authorities say he accidentally shot himself with an unsecured handgun inside the family’s home.
Police confirmed that 29-year-old Carley Dials was arrested on Thursday, September 18, and charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of her son, Cartier Smith.
Officers were dispatched to the 6600 block of Kodiak Drive near Canal Winchester just before 9am after receiving reports of a shooting.
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Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he was pronounced dead less than an hour later, according to police, People reported.
Detectives launched an immediate investigation and determined the little boy had managed to gain access to a firearm inside the home.
“Detectives conducting a preliminary investigation determined Cartier accessed an unsecured handgun inside the residence and unintentionally shot himself,” police said.
“The preliminary investigation determined the handgun was accessible to Smith because of the actions of Carley Dials.”
Court documents obtained by the Dispatch revealed more disturbing details.
Detectives allege that Cartier had picked up the firearm, which belonged to 31-year-old Sean Perrin, off the bedroom floor and placed it between the mattress and the wall before going to bed.
Authorities confirmed Mr Perrin is also facing a weapons-related charge in connection with the incident, though details of his alleged offence have not been fully disclosed.
The case has reignited debate about gun safety and the responsibility of adults to keep firearms locked and out of reach of children.
The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office has urged the public to ensure guns are always secured in a safe, citing this tragedy as a stark reminder of the potential consequences.
Ms Dials remains in custody at the Franklin County Jail, where her bond has been set at $50,000 ($A76,000) according to the Dispatch.
