A 41-year-old mother in Detroit is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say she left five young children unattended in a vehicle with an unsecured firearm, leading to a fatal shooting involving two of the children.
The woman, identified as Tonya Charisse-Annice, was arrested following the March 2 incident, which occurred outside a local restaurant while she was picking up a food delivery.
Incident Occurred While Children Waited in Vehicle
According to the Detroit Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting around 12:06 p.m. at the restaurant location.
Authorities said the children—ranging in age from 2 to 11 years old—were left alone in the vehicle while their mother briefly went inside to collect a delivery order.
During that time, police say the family’s 11-year-old son discovered a handgun inside the car. The weapon discharged, striking his 6-year-old sister.
Emergency responders rushed the child to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Mother Facing Multiple Charges
Prosecutors say Charisse-Annice has been charged with several offenses related to the incident, including:
- Failing to properly secure a firearm around children
- Three counts of second-degree child abuse
- Four counts of felony firearm
Authorities allege the firearm was not safely stored, allowing the child to access it.
Prosecutor Highlights Emotional Impact
During court proceedings, Aniela Bosca of the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office described the profound emotional consequences the incident could have on the family.
“This is going to be life-long trauma this young man is going to suffer as a result of shooting his sister,” Bosca said, noting that the other children present in the vehicle also witnessed the tragedy.
Authorities Stress Firearm Safety
Police officials say the case highlights the dangers of leaving children unsupervised with access to firearms.
Law enforcement agencies and safety advocates frequently urge gun owners to secure firearms with locks or safes, particularly in homes or vehicles where children are present.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
