An Indiana mother, Keiara Bickett, was arrested and charged after her 2-year-old son allegedly grabbed a gun from her purse and fatally shot himself in front of his older sister. The incident occurred on June 19, when Bickett, 28, was driving through a CVS parking lot in Indianapolis with her two children. After hearing a gunshot, she found her son, Javarius, collapsed on the floor after suffering a fatal gunshot wound to his right eye.
Details of the Shooting
According to the police report, Bickett told officers that she was uncertain how her son managed to get out of his car seat or access the handgun, which was in an unzipped purse on the center console. Her 9-year-old daughter, who was in the front passenger seat, reportedly witnessed the shooting. She told police that she had heard a loud noise while playing a game on her phone and saw her brother fall to the floor after climbing into her lap.
Bickett, who called 911 immediately after the incident, reportedly stated that she didn’t think her purse was zipped that day, even though she usually keeps the gun in a zipped purse when out. She also confirmed that she doesn’t have a holster for the handgun and stores it in a box in her closet when at home.
Legal and Custody Developments
On September 5, Bickett appeared in court where a judge ruled that she must have no contact with her surviving daughter, who witnessed the fatal shooting. During the hearing, it was revealed that Bickett’s daughter would remain in her grandmother’s custody until further court proceedings. The next hearing is scheduled for September 22, where a judge will reassess the no-contact order with input from Indiana’s Department of Child Services.
Bickett was charged with felony neglect of a dependent resulting in death on June 20, though it’s unclear whether she has entered a plea or retained legal representation. The boy’s death was ruled an accident by the medical examiner, who determined he sustained a gunshot wound at an intermediate range.
Public Reaction and Advocacy
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears condemned the tragedy, emphasizing the need for responsible gun ownership. He stated, “Until our state requires basic licensing and training for gun owners, families will remain at risk. Safe storage and responsible gun ownership are not optional — it’s a matter of life and death.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up in support of Bickett, with some describing her as a “caring and loving parent.” However, Bickett’s mother, Melissa Etheridge, believes the charge is too severe, calling the death an “absolute accident.”
This heartbreaking incident highlights the devastating consequences of improper firearm storage and the importance of ensuring the safety of children in homes where firearms are present.
