Crime & Safety

Detroit Mom Charged After 2-Year-Old Shoots Himself: Prosecutor

Michigan's safe storage law requires gun owners to safely secure their weapons when children are present.

DETROIT — A mother is facing charges after her 2-year-old son shot himself inside a Detroit home on Tuesday, according to prosecutors.

Amoya Black, 26, of Detroit, was charged with firearms – safe storage violations – premises under individual’s control – minor present and inflicted serious impairment of a body function upon self or another.

Black's was placed in jail with a $50,000 bond. Her next court date is scheduled for Nov. 12.

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If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison.

The incident happened at 8 a.m. Tuesday at a home in the 12900 block of Evergreen Road near Interstate 96, according to police.

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Police said Black was cooking breakfast when she heard a loud pop coming from a bedroom.

That's where she found her 2-year-old had accidentally shot himself with an unsecured handgun, according to police.

The child was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was listed in critical condition, according to police.

A 4-year-old sibling was also at the home during the shooting, but was not injured, according to police.

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