Detroit, MI – A Detroit man is facing a felony charge after prosecutors say his 6-year-old daughter found an unsecured firearm inside their home and accidentally shot herself.
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Marcellis Dushaun Williams, 39, has been charged with failure to safely store a firearm resulting in serious impairment of a body function, according to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
Detroit police responded around 9:00 a.m. Sunday, March 1, to a home in the 8800 block of Artesian Street on the city’s west side after receiving reports of a shooting.
When officers arrived, they found the young girl inside a bedroom suffering from a gunshot wound to her shoulder and thumb, authorities said. The child was transported to a nearby hospital where she was listed in stable condition.
Investigators say the girl discovered the firearm inside the home and accidentally discharged it, causing her injuries.
Williams was arraigned Tuesday in Detroit’s 36th District Court and given a $20,000 bond, according to prosecutors.
If convicted, the charge carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $7,500 fine under Michigan law.
In a statement following the charge, Worthy criticized the alleged failure to secure the weapon.
“Luckily this child will survive, but this never should have happened,” Worthy said. “The alleged actions of the parent in this case were completely irresponsible and are now criminal.”
Prosecutors say the incident is part of a troubling pattern of shootings involving unsecured firearms and children.
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“We have had many tragedies in Wayne County where children have died or suffered serious injury because the adults in their lives did not take a few minutes to ensure that their deadly weapons were secured,” Worthy said. “I have been preaching about this for over ten years. Hopefully one day I won’t have to.”
The shooting also occurred just one day before another 6-year-old in Detroit was fatally shot after accessing an unsecured gun, a separate case that remains under investigation.
Williams is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause conference on March 11 in 36th District Court.
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