Inset: Jacob Grayson (Delaware County Jail). Background: The 2800 block of South Monroe Street in Muncie, Indiana, where Grayson’s 6-year-old son accidentally shot and killed his 5-year-old sister (WXIN).
An Indiana jury convicted a 32-year-old father after his 6-year-old son accessed a gun from a safe whose key had been left in the lock and accidentally fatally shot his younger sister.
Jacob Grayson was found guilty of neglect of a dependent resulting in the death of his daughter, Crystal Rose Grayson, in Muncie, the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office said. He was also convicted on three lesser counts of child neglect. Grayson could face more than 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on Nov. 12.
“The facts of this case and the utter disregard for the safety of these young children make me want to puke,” Prosecutor Eric Hoffman said in a statement. “This 5-year-old child should have never had access to a firearm. Every parent has an absolute affirmative duty to protect their child. Jacob Grayson and his wife Kimberly miserably failed at this very basic parental duty.”
Kimberly Grayson was convicted of the same charges in March. Her sentencing has been postponed amid competency concerns, local Fox affiliate WXIN reported.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by the outlet, Muncie police went to the family’s home in the 2800 block of South Monroe Street on July 26, 2022, after receiving a report of a shooting.
Officers found Crystal suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Paramedics transported her to a hospital, where she later died.
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The boy told investigators that he discovered the firearm inside a safe in his parents’ bedroom dresser while his mother was napping. Because the key was still in the lock, he turned it and opened the safe. He said he picked up the gun and was playing with it when it fired, striking his sister.
Jacob Grayson told police that his son had found the firearm previously. Instead of moving it somewhere the child could not access it, Grayson reportedly relocated it to the opposite side of the dresser.
Police described the home as “deplorable,” citing trash and animal feces throughout the residence. Investigators also reported that the children’s mattresses were soiled and lacked bedding.
Crystal was remembered as a typical 5-year-old with an energetic spirit and an infectious smile.
“Crystal loved to watch cartoons, with her absolute favorite being Olaf from the movie ‘Frozen,’” her obituary said. “She touched so many people in the short time she was on this earth.”
The post Father moved gun across dresser after son previously found it, then left key in safe until 6-year-old opened it and fatally shot sister, first appeared on Law & Crime.
