WASHINGTON, Jan 30, (Agencies): A tragic incident in Kentucky has led to criminal charges for the parents of a 2-year-old boy after his older brother accidentally shot him with an unsecured gun. Selena Farrell, 23, and Tashaun Adams, 21, were taken into custody on January 25 and now face second-degree manslaughter charges, as per Kenton County jail records. In addition to these charges, Farrell is accused of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, abandonment of a minor, and a probation violation related to a previous felony offense.

The unfortunate incident occurred on January 22 inside the family's Latonia home in Covington when the couple's 3-year-old son gained access to an unsecured loaded firearm, resulting in the fatal shooting of his 2-year-old brother. Adams called 911 upon discovering the injured child, identified as Khalil Adams, who later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital. The criminal complaint reveals that the handgun was discovered "discarded in some bar-b-q on the stove."

During a press conference on Friday, Kenton County Commonwealth Attorney Rob Sanders disclosed that Farrell is the gun's registered owner, having purchased it from a federally licensed dealer. Following the shooting, she allegedly fled the scene but was located in a Boone County hotel room with Adams. Authorities tracked her down due to a probation violation. Sanders believes Farrell acquired the firearm before her felony conviction.

Inside the hotel room, a third individual, identified as 20-year-old Jeremiah Thomas, was found and subsequently charged with hindering prosecution. Sanders clarified that Thomas was present in the residence during the shooting but was not in the same room at the time. The incident sheds light on the importance of responsible gun ownership and securing firearms, particularly in households with young children.