Minnesota Babysitter Sentenced in Toddler's Accidental Shooting Death
MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota man has been sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to second-degree manslaughter in the tragic death of a 3-year-old boy who shot himself with an unsecured handgun last October.
Elliot Staples III, 24, was babysitting Jajuan Robinson, Jr. on October 21, 2024, while the child's mother was at work. According to court documents and local reports, Staples placed his loaded firearm on a kitchen island before stepping away to use the bathroom. Moments later, he heard a gunshot. He emerged to find Jajuan with a head wound. The toddler was rushed to a hospital but did not survive.
"My baby's last word was 'Mommy,'" Charlotte Williams, Jajuan's mother, told local station KSTP in an emotional interview days after the incident. "He thought it was a toy. How did he get a hold of a gun?"
Police reports indicate Staples told investigators he typically stored the weapon on top of the refrigerator but failed to do so on that day because he was "in a hurry." After discovering the injured child, he reportedly placed the gun on the refrigerator before calling for help.
On February 1, a Hennepin County judge formally sentenced Staples to 180 days in jail, set to begin March 3, and ordered him to pay $7,500 in restitution. Following his jail term, Staples will be placed on supervised probation for five years; a violation could result in a four-year prison sentence.
The case has reignited discussions around child firearm safety and legal accountability. Minnesota law includes penalties for negligent storage of firearms if a child gains access, though advocates argue for stricter safe-storage mandates.
Community Reaction:
"This sentence feels like a slap on the wrist. A child is dead because of sheer, criminal negligence. Six months for a life? Where's the justice for Jajuan?" — Maya Rodriguez, local parent and community organizer.
"While no sentence can bring back that little boy, the legal process has been followed. This is a devastating reminder for all gun owners about the irreversible consequences of a single moment of carelessness." — David Chen, attorney and former prosecutor.
"As a fellow caregiver, my heart breaks for everyone involved. It's a horrific accident that underscores why we need more accessible education on firearm safety, especially in homes with children." — Sarah Johnson, licensed childcare provider.
"The probation terms are significant. This conviction will follow him for years, impacting employment and his record. The tragedy highlights a systemic issue far beyond one individual's mistake." — Rev. Michael T. Hill, community liaison.
For resources on secure firearm storage and child safety, visit BeSMARTforkids.org.