Indiana – In a devastating incident that unfolded in Indianapolis, a 2-year-old boy lost his life after gaining access to a loaded handgun inside his mother’s purse and fatally shooting himself in the head. The boy’s 28-year-old mother, identified as K. Bickett, is now facing a felony charge of neglect of a dependent resulting in death, a charge that could carry a 20- to 40-year prison sentence if she is convicted.
The shooting occurred on June 19, while Bickett was parked in a parking lot. According to police and court documents, the toddler was initially seated in a car seat but later managed to free himself and move to the front of the vehicle where his 9-year-old sister was sitting. Bickett was texting a friend and had her handgun stored in her unsecured purse, placed between the center console and her daughter.
As Bickett attempted to park, a gunshot rang out inside the car. The toddler had retrieved the firearm from the unzipped purse and accidentally discharged it, striking himself in the head. His mother immediately stopped the vehicle, opened the passenger door, and lifted her son out before calling 911. First responders rushed the boy to a children’s hospital, but his injuries were fatal. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Police recovered the firearm from the front driver’s side floorboard. The gun was found with a spent cartridge still in the chamber and a full magazine inside. Investigators also recovered a fired bullet from the rear passenger seat, consistent with the bullet path through the vehicle…