UPDATE: A mother in Indianapolis has been charged with felony neglect after her two-year-old son, Javarius, allegedly took a gun from her purse and fatally shot himself while his nine-year-old sister watched. Keiara Bickett, 28, faces urgent legal repercussions as authorities investigate this tragic incident that unfolded on June 19, 2023, at a CVS parking lot located in the 2300 block of East 46th Street just before 3 PM.
The horrifying events began when Bickett reportedly stopped to text a friend while her vehicle was still running. She had intended to pick up a prescription but noticed that her son had moved from his car seat to the front passenger seat. While distracted, Bickett heard a gunshot—moments later, she discovered her son had shot himself in the head.
According to court documents, Bickett ducked at the sound of the gunfire and rushed to her son, calling emergency services immediately. Despite being transported to Riley Hospital, Javarius tragically succumbed to his injuries. Disturbingly, his sister was in the car and witnessed the entire ordeal.
Bickett appeared in court last Friday, where she was issued a no-contact order concerning her daughter, who will now be cared for by her grandmother until a hearing on September 22 to review this decision. The Indiana Department of Child Services is involved, highlighting the serious implications of this case.
Investigations reveal that Bickett owned a 9mm Glock Model 26 Gen 5 handgun, typically stored in her handbag. She informed police that she usually keeps her bag zipped but believed it was not secured on the day of the tragedy.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, the case raises urgent questions about gun safety and parental responsibility. The investigation is ongoing, with no information on potential pleas at this time.
This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the impact of firearms in the hands of untrained individuals and the critical importance of vigilant parenting. Stay tuned as more updates on this tragic case emerge.
