Florida police arrest a father whose son discovered a loaded gun in his “Canine Patrol”-themed backpack and ultimately shot and killed his mother, Shamaya Lynn, on a work video call.
Authorities arrest Florida father whose son discovered gun stashed in “Paw Patrol” backpack and used it to kill his mother
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office arrested the father, Veondre Avery, Tuesday and charged him with involuntary manslaughter and failure to safely store a firearm for the August shooting.
According to an investigation by the Florida state attorney for the 18th Judicial Circuit, police discovered that the gun used belonged to Avery, who had left the backpack containing the firearm on the ground and unsecured before leaving his home.
“While AVERY was away from home, Lynn had been on video conference with co-workers,” the 18th Judicial Circuit state attorney’s office said in a statement. “Unbeknownst to her, her 2-year-old son had taken possession of the firearm and positioned himself behind Lynn, firing a single shot and striking her.”
One of Lynn’s co-workers on the conference call was the first to report the incident to 911.
“I don’t know where to start,” the co-worker said over the phone. “One of the girls passed out, she was bleeding. She’s got the camera on. Her baby is crying on her back.”
Avery also called emergency services after returning home and discovering his girlfriend’s body, but it was too late – Lynn was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to The Washington Post, Avery faces up to 15 years in prison on the murder charge, as well as a $10,000 fine and 15 years probation.
Avery is currently being held in the Seminole County Jail and is being held without bond. No trial date has been set for the case.
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