A 22-year-old Lansing, Michigan, man named Maliki Pendergrass faces multiple felony charges after a 4-year-old girl died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on January 21, 2026, due to an improperly stored firearm. He was prohibited from possessing guns because of a prior armed robbery conviction and was on parole at the time.
Incident Overview
Police responded around 11:40 a.m. to a home in the 600 block of Sadie Court, finding the child with a head wound from accessing an unsecured gun inside. First responders attempted revival, but she was pronounced dead on site. Prosecutors emphasize the death was entirely preventable with proper storage like a lock or safe, per Michigan law.
Charges and Background
Pendergrass, charged as a habitual third offender, faces six counts: safe storage violation causing death, possession of a firearm/ammunition by a prohibited person, and related felony firearm offenses. His bond is $1 million cash/surety; no relationship to the child is specified in reports.
Court Timeline
Arraigned January 23 in 54-A District Court before Judge Cynthia Ward, with a probable cause conference set for February 6 at 8:30 a.m. and preliminary exam February 13. Ingham County Prosecutor John J. Dewane stressed protecting children from such tragedies.
