Home / Crime and Justice / Father's Gun Left Accessible, Toddler Shoots Infant Sister
Father's Gun Left Accessible, Toddler Shoots Infant Sister
28 May
Summary
- Father admits leaving handgun unsecured near young daughters.
- A 3-year-old fatally shot her 1-year-old sister with the gun.
- Father pleaded guilty to murder and endangerment charges.
A tragedy unfolded in Wichita, Kansas, in February 2025 when a 1-year-old girl was fatally shot by her 3-year-old sister. Their father, Michael Tejeda, has since pleaded guilty to charges including second-degree murder and aggravated child endangerment. Tejeda admitted to leaving a handgun accessible in the home, acknowledging he should have secured it more safely.
The fatal incident occurred after Tejeda, who was watching the children while their mother was away, reportedly fell asleep. He told investigators he had removed the handgun from an insecure holster and placed it on a mantelpiece before hearing a loud noise. Upon investigation, he discovered his younger daughter with a gunshot wound on the couch, with the firearm nearby.
As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to drop a more serious first-degree murder charge. Both the prosecution and defense are expected to recommend a midrange sentence for Tejeda under Kansas guidelines, with sentences to be served consecutively. The investigation involved affidavits detailing Tejeda's admissions and the circumstances leading to the tragic shooting.
