A Missouri woman is facing charges for endangering the welfare of children after a tragic incident where one child accidentally shot another in her absence. The incident occurred last month when she left the children unsupervised at home.
Jo Timmons, aged 37, has been charged with five counts, including one that involves causing a death, according to reports from KMIZ. She is currently detained without bond at the Randolph County jail.
The unfortunate event unfolded on January 18 when police responded to a call regarding an 11-year-old who had been shot. The child was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately succumbed to the injuries.
Timmons admitted to authorities that she had left three children—a 10-year-old and two 7-year-olds—alone while she went to pick up her paycheck. However, it was later revealed that an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old were also present in the house.
According to heavily redacted court documents, Timmons received a phone call from the children reporting an unfamiliar vehicle entering the driveway. Shortly after, she received another distressing call from a young girl claiming that she had shot someone.
The children recounted to investigators that they had hidden in Timmons’ bedroom when the unknown vehicle arrived. During this time, one child reportedly found a handgun, which inadvertently discharged, leading to the fatal incident.
One of the children knew enough to tell investigators that the gun’s safety was on, but they didn’t know there was a bullet in the chamber.
The 12-year-old reportedly helped deputies locate the handgun in a dresser drawer.
Deputies found living conditions at the home poor, noting the smell of feces and urine throughout and trash, including loose pills and used condoms. They also noted a roach-infested shotgun on the wall of Timmons’ bedroom, and witnesses said the handgun was “not always kept secure.”
It’s not at all clear how many children actually lived in the home, who they belonged to, or who the unknown vehicle belonged to.
“All I can really probably say at this time is that there either have been or were several children residing in this home,” Randolph County Prosecutor Stephanie Luntsford said.
Deputies noted poor living conditions for the children, including smell of feces and urine being persistent throughout the home, as well as various trash, including loose pills and used condoms, being found.
A cockroach-infested shotgun was also found on the wall of Timmons’ bedroom, the deputy wrote. Interviewers with witnesses also claimed the handgun was “not always kept secure,” court documents say.
