Phoenix police have arrested the parents of the 9 year-old boy, who was shot and killed by his 2-year-old brother.
The parents are now facing charges for their suspected roles in the tragedy.
Police confirmed 9-year-old Landen Lavarnia passed away on Tuesday night. He had been on life support since Monday, after he was shot in the head.
Lavarnia’s mother Wendy Lavarnia was booked for investigation on four counts of child abuse. Her bond has been set at 25,000 USD. Her husband, Kansan Lavarnia 31, has a felony record and was arrested for possession of an illegal firearm.
Police are still investigating, if Kansas was present at the home at the time of the shooting.
Sgt. Vince Lewis said that police are looking into the possibility of additional charges.
Police responded to a home near 35th and Rosewood avenues at around 3 p.m. to find the older boy was shot in the head.
Wendy Lavania said that she had placed the 9mm pistol, which was unholstered and loaded, next to the 2 and 4-year-old sons.
Then, the toddler picked up the gun and fired it, striking the 9-year-old, who was playing video games few feet away.
The gun was not equipped with an external safety, and she usually allowed the toddler to practice pulling the trigger, when the gun was unloaded.
The woman was arrested for investigation of child abuse "because of the situation that she allegedly created,” Lewis said. “But let’s not lose sight of the fact that there shouldn’t have even been a gun in the house.”
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