In a tragic turn of events in Wichita, Kansas, a father has confessed to leaving a handgun accessible to his young daughters, resulting in his 3-year-old accidentally shooting her 1-year-old sister. This heartbreaking incident took place within the family’s home, as detailed in court records and a police affidavit.
Michael Tejeda, 26, recently entered a guilty plea to charges of second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and two counts of aggravated child endangerment. His guilty plea relates to the tragic events of February 2025, which are documented in Sedgwick County court records.
As part of his plea agreement, prosecutors have agreed to drop the more severe charge of first-degree murder that was initially filed due to the felony’s commission.
The incident unfolded on February 28, when Tejeda made an urgent call to 911. According to the arrest affidavit, he informed dispatchers that his older daughter had inadvertently shot her younger sister, sparking a swift response from law enforcement.
In related news, a similar case has emerged in Washington, D.C., where police are investigating the shooting of a 5-year-old by a younger sibling inside their apartment. Authorities have described it as an “unfortunate situation,” highlighting the perils of unsecured firearms in households.
A photo of Michael Tejeda, provided by the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office, captures the somber reality of this family’s ordeal. His guilty plea is a stark reminder of the critical importance of responsible gun ownership and the devastating consequences that can arise from negligence.
Authorities said Tejeda later admitted he had fallen asleep while watching the children while their mother was away from the home. Investigators said he told police he had been carrying a handgun in a prop holster that did not properly secure the firearm.
Tejeda told investigators he eventually removed the handgun and placed it on the mantel above the living room fireplace before going into a bedroom to change clothes, according to the affidavit.
“I knew better, should’ve put it somewhere else,” Tejeda told investigators, according to court documents.
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A view of South Santa Fe Street in Wichita, Kansas, where authorities said the shooting happened in February 2025. (Google Maps)
Moments later, Tejeda told police he heard a loud bang and saw his 3-year-old daughter crying before discovering the 1-year-old suffering from a gunshot wound to the head on a couch in the living room.
“He went into the living room and found [the 1-year-old] with a gunshot wound to her head while she was lying on the couch,” the affidavit states. “Tejeda said he found his firearm lying on the couch next to [the child].”
Investigators said Tejeda acknowledged his older daughter had previously shown curiosity about the firearm before the shooting.
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Authorities said the shooting happened at a family home in Wichita, Kansas, on Feb. 28, 2025. (Getty Images)
The surviving child was later taken to a child advocacy center for a forensic interview, according to the affidavit. Authorities said the girl did not discuss the shooting during the interview.
Both prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to recommend a midrange sentence under Kansas guidelines, with the sentences running consecutively, according to local NBC affiliate KSNW.
Tejeda is scheduled to be sentenced July 9.
Representatives for both the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and Wichita Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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