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Alabama Mom Charged in Toddler's Tragic Gunshot Death
13 Jan
Summary
- Mother charged with manslaughter and child abuse in toddler's death.
- Child found with gunshot wound, investigation suggests accidental.
- Multiple firearms recovered; children now in state custody.
A tragic incident unfolded in Blount County, Alabama, where a 2-year-old boy, Noah, died from a gunshot wound to the head. His mother, Evelyn Leyva Etress, 40, has been arrested and charged with reckless manslaughter and aggravated child abuse. The Blount County Sheriff's Office responded to the home on January 7, 2026, where they found the child suffering from the injury. Despite life-saving efforts, Noah was pronounced dead at the hospital.
According to authorities, other children were present in the home during the incident, which is currently being investigated as accidental. Multiple firearms were recovered from the residence. Court documents indicate Etress allegedly told investigators she had left a handgun on her dresser the night before. The children who were in the home have been placed in the custody of the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
The district attorney emphasized the dangers of unsecured firearms, noting that children do not perceive them as hazardous. Etress was also being held on drug-related charges and was released on January 10, 2026. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging parents to secure firearms safely.
