Toddler's Gun Death: Father Charged

A devastating incident occurred in Sandy Springs where a 2-year-old boy, River, lost his life after accidentally discharging his father's gun. The tragic event unfolded at the family's apartment on Sandalwood Drive. Investigators have since charged the father, Richard Willis, with second-degree murder and cruelty to children.

According to warrants, River found the firearm stored in a fanny pack on his parents' bed. His father, Willis, reportedly placed the fanny pack there earlier after returning home from his wife's medical procedure. River, who had come downstairs during his nap, was told by his father to return to his room. Tragically, minutes later, Willis heard gunshots and discovered his son had fatally injured himself.