A Columbus man was charged federally on Jul. 16 for illegally possessing a firearm after his 21-month-old son died from an accidental gunshot wound involving an unsecured weapon. Deshawn Levelle Butler, 35, was arrested by federal agents and appeared in federal court in Columbus at 1:30 p.m.
“As a previously convicted felon, Butler was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition at the time of this incident,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Nothing can bring back the toddler who tragically died at the hands of Butler’s weapon, but we will use every federal tool at our disposal to ensure justice is accomplished in this matter.”
According to charging documents, on July 11 Columbus police responded to a report of a shooting on Quinby Drive where they found the child suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Officers were told that the child had accidentally shot himself, and he was transported to Mount Carmel East Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
An affidavit states that Butler was allegedly present during the shooting and fled before law enforcement arrived. He turned himself in to Columbus police headquarters the next morning and allegedly told officers his son had found his 9mm handgun in an open safe located in a bedroom.
Butler has a previous conviction for aggravated burglary, which legally prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition. He also had outstanding warrants for misdemeanor domestic violence charges at the time of arrest. Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon carries a potential penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment.
The charges were announced by United States Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II, Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Geraghty is representing the government in this case.
A criminal complaint contains only allegations; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.