Baltimore Woman Convicted After Grandson Took Gun, Fatally Shot Teen

BALTIMORE, MD — A jury convicted a Baltimore grandmother on multiple charges Tuesday after her grandson shot and killed a 15-year-old with her gun.

April Gaskins was found guilty of reckless endangerment and firearm access by a minor in the August 2022 death of Nykayla Strawder, Baltimore City State's Attorney Ivan J. Bates announced. Gaskins could face six years in prison at her sentencing on Sept. 14.

According to prosecutors, Strawder and Gaskins' 9-year-old grandson were among a group of children sitting on a front porch in the 600 block of Linnard Street when the boy began showing off a gun. Prosecutors said the gun fired and a bullet struck Strawder in the head. The boy dropped the gun and ran away after the shooting, authorities said.

Police arrived at the scene shortly after 8 p.m. Strawder was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital, where she died, prosecutors said.

Authorities recovered the gun and discovered it was registered to Gaskins, her grandson's guardian. Gaskins told police the gun belonged to her and that she stored it on the floor of her bedroom closet. She also told police her grandson had access to her bedroom, where he often watched television.

A search warrant was executed at Gaskins' home, where police recovered an empty magazine, two boxes of 9mm Lugar ammunition, and one empty gun box.

Bates called Strawder's death an "incredibly challenging case."

"Responsible gun ownership and proper gun storage are paramount to keeping our children safe," Bates said in a statement. "This case highlights the dire consequences when people are careless with deadly weapons."

Bates continued, "I continue to keep the Strawder family in my prayers as they grapple with the loss of their child."