A mother in Alabama has been arrested after her 2‑year‑old son died from a gunshot wound, police said.
What Happened
Police say 40‑year‑old Evelyn Leyva Etress has been charged with two serious crimes:
- Reckless manslaughter
- Aggravated child abuse
These charges were announced on Friday, January 9 by Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey, according to reports from AL.com, ABC 33/40 and WVTM 13.
Shooting Inside the Home
Deputies were sent to a home in Blount County around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, after they were told a child had been shot. When they arrived, they found Etress’ 2‑year‑old son, Noah, with a gunshot wound to the head, Sheriff Mark Moon said during a press conference.
First responders tried to save Noah’s life and took him to a hospital, but sadly he died there.
Other Children Were Home
Sheriff Moon said that other young children were in the house when the shooting happened. Authorities believe the shooting was accidental. They also found multiple firearms inside the home.
Per WVTM 13, the other children are now being cared for by the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
What the Mother Told Investigators
Court records obtained by AL.com say Etress told investigators that she left Noah and two of his siblings alone in a bedroom while she went to make tea. She said she later heard a loud noise, and when she came back, she saw two of the children running from a closet. Noah was found on the floor beside a handgun, according to the DA, as reported by AL.com.
Etress allegedly said she had left a handgun on her dresser the night before.
Who Fired the Gun?
The District Attorney said Noah’s wound was not self‑inflicted, meaning he did not shoot himself. However, prosecutors have not yet released details about who actually pulled the trigger.
“When a gun is left out, a child doesn’t see danger, they see something familiar,” D.A. Casey said. “And that misunderstanding can turn into tragedy in seconds.”
Other Charges and Custody Update
Etress was also being held earlier on drug‑related charges. She was released from custody on Saturday, January 10, according to WVTM 13. It is not clear whether she has entered a plea yet, or if she has hired a lawyer to speak for her.
The sheriff said the investigation is still ongoing and reminded parents to secure all firearms safely in homes with children.
Hotline for Child Abuse Concerns
If you think a child might be in danger or you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at:
- 1‑800‑4‑A‑Child
- 1‑800‑422‑4453
