2-year-old Northern Kentucky child dies after being shot by brother

COVINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)

1/26/24, 2:11 p.m.

The 2-year-old who died was apparently shot and killed by his 3-year-old brother.

The parents are accused of leaving a loaded handgun within reach of the older child, who picked it up and fatally shot the toddler, Sanders told the AP.

“This was very much avoidable,” Sanders said. “This shooting death was caused by the fact that two adults left a loaded handgun with a round in the chamber within reach of a 3-year-old child that they did not supervise.”

The second-degree manslaughter charge against the parents is unusual in Kentucky, Sanders said.

“There is no reported case law in Kentucky on charging a parent who failed to secure a loaded handgun from a 3-year-old child that we can find,” he said. “I think by all means that we have enough evidence to sustain a conviction.”

Kentucky law defines second-degree manslaughter as wantonly causing the death of another person. He said the case will be presented to a grand jury, which could opt for a different charge before the case goes to circuit court.

1/26/24, 9 a.m.

Three people have been charged for the death of 2-year-old Khalil.

Farrell is charged with manslaughter, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and abandonment.

Tashuan Adams, the father of the victim, is charged with manslaughter and hindering apprehension.

Jeremiah Thomas is charged with hindering apprehension. His relationship with Farrell and Adams wasn’t clear.

1/23/24, 9:02 a.m.

The 2-year-old who was shot and killed has been identified as Khalil Adams, according to ABC affiliate WCPO.

The coroner’s office listed the circumstances of death as an “apparent homicide.”

While the cause of the shooting hasn’t been released, Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders, on social media, wrote officers are looking for Adams’ mother, Selena Farrell.

Farrell, 23, has a warrant for violating probation and allegedly fled before police arrived at the shooting.

She also didn’t show up at the hospital.

Sanders added Farrell is not believed to be the shooter.

1/23/24, 8:47 a.m.

A 2-year-old Northern Kentucky child has died after being shot Monday afternoon.

According to Covington police, officers were called to the 2500 block of Warren Street for a report that a 2-year-old child was shot around 12:44 p.m.

Officers and EMS crews took the child to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where the child was pronounced dead.

The investigation is ongoing.

Police didn’t detail the circumstances around the incident.

Covington is located in Kenton County, about an hour and a half north of Lexington.