News Summary
A father in Jacksonville faces serious legal consequences after his 2-year-old son accidentally shot himself due to improperly stored firearms. The tragic incident occurred on April 20, leading to the child’s death shortly after. The father, previously convicted for firearm-related offenses, was arrested on multiple charges, highlighting the urgent need for responsible gun storage practices, especially in homes with children. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office underscores this incident as a critical reminder of the importance of firearm safety.
Jacksonville – A father is facing serious legal consequences following a tragic incident in which his 2-year-old son accidentally shot himself in the head. The event unfolded on April 20 at approximately 7 p.m. in the 5800 block of Calvary Drive, not far from Timucuan Elementary School. The child was quickly taken to a local hospital where he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) has completed an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, determining that the firearm involved was improperly stored within the home. As a result of this negligence, the child’s 31-year-old father was arrested on May 1, 2025, on multiple charges that include child neglect and culpable negligence. His arrest was carried out with the aid of the U.S. Marshals Task Force. Following his arrest, court records indicate that he was released the next day on a $40,000 bond.
Prior to this incident, the father faced legal trouble in 2023, when he pleaded guilty to unlicensed carry of a concealed firearm and possession of over 20 grams of cannabis while armed. This prior conviction resulted in a one-year probation period, raising further concerns regarding his ability to safely handle firearms.
The tragic event highlights the importance of responsible firearm storage, especially in households with children. According to the Department of Children and Families’ Child Fatality Prevention website, the young boy shot himself while his mother was reportedly asleep. In response to this heartbreaking incident, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office emphasized that proper firearm storage is both a legal requirement and a common-sense safety measure.
Data from the JSO indicates that Florida has seen nine child fatalities due to accidental shootings over a two-year span, with five of those incidents occurring in Jacksonville. This alarming trend aligns with national statistics that show firearms have become the leading cause of death among children and teenagers under 18 in the United States. A significant number of unintentional firearms-related deaths occur in home environments, underscoring the necessity of educating families about gun safety.
In light of this incident, the JSO is urging gun owners to take proactive measures to secure firearms, recommending the use of gun safes or lockboxes and the implementation of gun trigger locks to prevent any unauthorized access by minors. The Sheriff’s Office views this tragic occurrence as a stark reminder of the critical need for responsible firearm ownership and encourages discussions about gun safety within families.
As this situation develops, the Jacksonville community grapples with the understanding that stricter safety measures are essential to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The unfortunate passing of a young child serves as a profound call to action for responsible gun ownership and advocacy for the safety of children.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Father Charged in 2-Year-Old’s Accidental Shooting Death
- First Coast News: Father Arrested After 2-Year-Old Accidentally Shot Himself
- News 4 JAX: A Father’s Arrest Highlights Gun Safety Practices
- Action News JAX: Son Charged With Murder in Father’s Shooting Death
- Wikipedia: Gun Safety
