Autistic Girl's Death: Father Charged With Neglect

In Gary, Indiana, a tragic incident has led to neglect charges against a father after his 10-year-old daughter, Malaysia Robertson, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The child, who had autism, was found deceased at her home on Wednesday, July 15. Authorities determined the fatal wound was accidental and self-inflicted, involving one of her father's firearms.

Mykael Robertson, the father, told police he believed his daughter, who had autism, was unaware of the guns' location or how to operate them. He stated he kept two handguns unloaded in his dresser drawer but was unaware they were loaded at the time of the incident. Investigators found no gun safes or locks during a search of the residence.

Robertson faces six felony neglect charges, including counts related to endangerment and causing catastrophic injury. He bonded out of jail on Friday, July 17, with a court appearance scheduled for Friday, July 31. The investigation by the Lake County Prosecutor's Homicide Task Force is ongoing.