HIOWELL (WWJ) -- Charges have been filed against the mother of a 2-year-old boy who was killed in June after getting ahold of an unsecured gun.
Tonya Lacey is facing one count of second-degree child abuse in connection with the incident on June 11 in Howell, according to the Livingston County Prosecutor's Office.
Authorities said the tragic shooting happened at around 6 p.m., at a home on Oak Squire Lane in Rolling Oaks subdivision, north of M-59.
When Livingston County Sheriff's deputies arrived on the scene, they found the child who'd picked up the gun, which went off. The boy was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Lacey is married to David Lacey, a corporal with the Dearborn Police Department.
Second-degree child abuse carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.
Lacey is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, Sept. 29, in 53rd District Court.
As always, authorities urge all gun owners to keep their firearms securely locked up and away from children — either in a safe or with a trigger lock or both. Gun locks may be available for free from police in your community, so check with your local police department.