A Flint father will spend more than a decade behind bars after his young daughter accidentally shot herself with his unsecured gun, a case that made history as the first prosecution under Michigan’s new safe storage law.
Michael Tolbert was sentenced Monday, Nov. 10, to more than 10 years in prison after his daughter, 3-year-old Skye McBride, found his firearm on Feb. 14, 2024, and accidentally shot herself in the face.
Skye, now 5, has survived multiple brain surgeries, wears a prosthetic eye, and continues to fight through therapy and recovery. Her family says her strength and spirit have been nothing short of a miracle.
“It’s been a rollercoaster,” said her aunt, LaDorothy Griggs. “Her whole childhood was stolen, and although it can’t be replaced, I just feel like more time should’ve been given to him.”
Tolbert pleaded no contest and was convicted of:
⌁ Child Abuse (2nd Degree)
⌁ 4 counts of Felony Firearm
⌁ Safe Storage Violation
⌁ Firearm Possession by a Prohibited Person (2 counts)
⌁ Lying to Police in a Violent Crime Investigation
He was originally charged with first-degree child abuse, which was reduced under a plea deal.
Skye’s grandmother now raises her while managing medical costs and therapy needs. The family has launched a GoFundMe to help with ongoing expenses.
“Her journey isn’t over,” Griggs said. “It’s just getting started.”
The case has become a powerful reminder for Michigan families about the responsibility of keeping firearms secured and out of reach.
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