KENTWOOD, Mich. (AP) — A Grand Rapids-area man was charged Monday with manslaughter after his girlfriend’s 2-year-old son found a gun and fatally shot himself.
Police said the gun was on the couch in his Kentwood apartment. Kiaire McCoy apparently found it and shot himself on Friday.
Markus Nevills Jr., 22, objected to being charged during his initial court appearance.
“I do not understand this. I’m trying to see how they say this is my fault. I didn’t shoot and kill him,” Nevills said.
Police quoted Nevills as saying he had become “distracted” while high on marijuana and was checking his phone when the shooting occurred, according to a court filing. Prosecutors said he was grossly negligent.
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“Sounds like a terrible accident and there is no criminal intent there,” defense attorney Richard Zambon said.
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