Nykayla Strawder.Photo:Go Fund Me
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“I hope this sentence makes it clear that in the City of Baltimore, we are holding everyone accountable for their role in proliferating violence, especially violence against our children,” State Attorney Ivan J. Bates said. “Responsible gun ownership can be a matter of life or death for parents and guardians.”
The woman told investigators that the handgun was her personal weapon and that she stored it on the floor of her bedroom closet, the release states. She added that her grandson had access to her bedroom, where he often watched television.
A search of Gaskins’ home yielded two boxes of 9mm Luger ammunition, an empty magazine, and one empty gun box, according to the Baltimore City’s State Attorney’s Office.
Because of his age, the 9-year-old cannot face criminal charges in connection with the fatal shooting, according to Maryland law,CBS Newsreports.
Aleah Strawder, Strawder’s sister, was one of many loved ones who shared a victim impact statement at Gaskins' sentencing hearing this week, saying, “my sister was innocent,” according to theBaltimore Banner.“She did nothing wrong.”
Brandon Mead, the attorney representing Gaskins, called the fatal incident a “horrendous tragedy” and said that his client believed the gun was unloaded, theBaltimore Bannerreports.
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“You’re dealing with a 55-year-old woman who has had no prior incidents, no prior interactions with the police department, no convictions, nothing," attorney Mead said, per CBS News. He reportedly plans to file an appeal.
According to State Attorney Bates, this case shows “the deadly aftermath when people are careless with firearms.”
“I hope the Strawder family finds healing in today’s sentence,” he said.
source: people.com
