NEED TO KNOW
- A Michigan man has been charged with multiple felonies in connection with the shooting death of a 4-year-old girl
- Authorities allege that Maliki Pendergrass, 22, improperly stored a gun, ultimately leading the child to obtain the firearm and shoot herself
- Additionally, Pendergrass, who has a past felony conviction for armed robbery, was not legally permitted to possess a gun
A man in Michigan has been charged after a 4-year-old girl fatally shot herself.
Police responded to reports of a shooting at a home in Lansing on Wednesday, Jan. 21, per Cleveland 19, Fox 47 and Arc West Michigan.
Upon arrival, authorities found a child with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the outlets. The 4-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene, despite attempts to resuscitate her by first responders.
Police further said that the gun used in the shooting had been improperly stored, ultimately enabling the child to obtain it, per the outlets.
The Lansing Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’S request for comment.
Lansing Police Department
Maliki Pendergrass, 22, has since been arrested in relation to the incident. He has been charged with multiple felonies, including a safe storage violation that resulted in death and weapon possession by a prohibited person, according to the Ingham County Prosecutor’s office, per Cleveland 19, Fox 47 and Arc West Michigan.
Pendergrass has a past felony conviction for armed robbery and was not legally permitted to possess a gun, per the outlets. His relationship with the child is currently unknown.
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Pendergrass’ bond is set at $1 million, per the outlets.
Lansing Police Department
“This child’s death was completely preventable and would not have occurred had the firearm been safely stored as required by Michigan law, using a gun lock or gun safe,” Ingham County Prosecutor John J. Dewane said in a statement, per Arc West Michigan.
“One life lost is one too many, and we must do everything in our power to protect our children from preventable tragedies like this,” Dewane added.
The Ingham County Prosecutor’s office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Pendergrass’ next court date is scheduled for Feb. 6, per the outlets.
