A 22-year-old man from Michigan has been arrested in connection with the tragic death of a 4-year-old girl who accidentally shot herself in the head with an unsecured firearm. The incident occurred on January 21 in Lansing, Michigan, when the young girl found an improperly stored gun in the home and fatally shot herself.
The Incident
According to the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office, police were called to the home at approximately 11:40 a.m. on the day of the incident. When they arrived, they found the girl with a gunshot wound to the head. Despite efforts by first responders to save her, the little girl was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators found that the gun involved in the shooting had been “improperly stored” in the home. The relationship between the girl and the suspect, Maliki Pendergrass, was not publicly disclosed, but it was revealed that Pendergrass had a prior felony conviction and was legally prohibited from owning a firearm.
Charges Against Pendergrass
Pendergrass, who had been previously convicted of a felony, was arrested and charged with six felony firearm-related offenses, including two violations related to the safe storage of firearms. He is currently being held in jail on a $1 million bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 6.
Legal and Community Response
Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney John Dewane condemned the tragedy as “completely preventable,” stressing that the child’s death could have been avoided if the firearm had been stored safely, as required by Michigan law. “One life lost is one too many,” Dewane said, adding that efforts must be made to prevent such tragedies.
The community has been left reeling from the incident. Neighbors at the apartment complex where the shooting occurred expressed their grief and concern, with one woman tearfully urging others to “put the guns down” and “find something better to do.”
Broader Implications
This heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of proper firearm storage, especially in homes with children.
Gun safety advocates stress that using gun locks or safes can prevent such preventable accidents. The case also highlights the consequences of violating gun ownership laws, particularly for individuals with prior felony convictions.
