The following information was extracted from the probable cause affidavit made public on 22 January 2015 by the Tallahassee Police Department.
On 19 January 2013, the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) responded approximately 0830 in the morning to 411 Great Lakes Street in reference to a 5 year-old with gunshot to the abdomen. The responding officers found the boy with a projectile wound that went through his torso and out his back... He was given first aid by his grandfather and quickly transported to TMH. He required emergency surgery to his colon and lower intestines. It has been reported today that he is responding well and will most likely fully recover.
Investigation at the scene revealed a 9mm Glock pistol discovered in the living room and laying on the floor when TPD arrived. The projectile was recovered from a wall. The Glock belonged to a person staying in the home later identified as 22 year-old Cedric Wallace, Jr., who was later arrested on charges of child neglect causing great harm. Further investigation revealed that the Glock was not secured as well as the 9mm ammunition.
The boy’s grandfather was home and stated that his grandson went into the bedroom and came out with the Glock. The young boy was with another 7 year-old and played with the Glock. The 7 year-old told police that he shot the 5 year-old while accidently playing with the firearm. The grandfather told police that he had no knowledge of the gun.
Krishunda Mutch is the live-in girlfriend at the address of Cedric Wallace. She has two children, one in common with Wallace. She stated that she and Wallace were staying in the bedroom for the past few days. She said that she and Wallace slept in the bedroom that night but she had no knowledge of the Glock being in the room. She stated that she was sleeping in the room and did not hear the gun go off in the living room. Another witness stated that she was in the bedroom with Mutch and saw the boy go in to the room and get an item later identified as the Glock.
The police interview with Wallace is blacked out on the public released affidavit. The last sentence sort of says it all, as it reads: “In checking Wallace’s criminal record and affiliation, it should be known that Wallace is a validated Blood criminal gang member.”
All the recent discussions concerning keeping our children safe and that gun owners need to be held accountable and responsible for keeping guns out of the hands of children. This latest incident will never be prevented because of the exact opposite. Individuals like Cedric Wallace, Jr., a member of a "validated criminal gang" do not fall into the category of a responsible gun owner. Without asking the police as to the Glock's origin, there is no doubt in the mind of this examiner that the Glock is stolen.
Society now has an opportunity to set the example of severely punishing the Wallaces of the criminal world. Also the family involved needs to stop associating with criminals especially those that foster and spawn children. Until then we will just have to accept “accidental shootings” of 5 year-olds. Is a warning to criminals to lock up their stolen guns and ammunition worth even a consideration?
The Florida Statute for child neglect causing great bodily harm is FS 827.3B carrys a max of 15 years. Any bets on what sentence the court will issue? Who pays for the medical costs to the injured?
The .22 Mag revolver shown in the photo is manufactured by Heritage Manufacturing, Inc. in Miami and they sell all revolvers with a trigger lock.
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