DETROIT (WWJ) -- A Detroit couple is facing child abuse and weapons charges after one of their young children found an unsecured gun in the home, and shot the other.
Thankfully, the 11-year-old victim survived the shooting the evening of Wednesday, June 7, in the 640 block of Tennessee Street on Detroit's east side.
According to investigators, a 6-year-old boy found a handgun that was not properly stored in the home. He picked it up and fired it, striking the infant in the face and shoulder.
The baby was privately transported to a local hospital for treatment. There was is no current update on the child's condition.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office announced Thursday that the mother. 28-year-old Lolita Morgan, has been charged with one count of Second-Degree Child Abuse and one count of Possession of a Pistol without a License.
The father, 50-year-old Mandel Berryman, has been charged with one count of Second-Degree Child Abuse, one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and one count of Felony Firearm.
"Children and unsafely stored guns simply do not mix," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy, in a statement. "I have been saying this repeatedly for eight years. We now have statewide legislation that directly addresses this issue that will go into effect next year. But now, right now, right this very minute, we can save the lives of children by just taking a few moments and putting your weapons out of any possible reach of children. Please!"
The defendants were arraigned in 36th District Court Thursday afternoon, with bond set at $50,000 cash/surety each, with a GPS tether if they are released.
A bond redetermination hearing is scheduled for June 20, followed by a probable cause conference set for July 5 before Judge Kenneth King.
