Kansas – In a harrowing incident in Kansas that reignited a debate on gun safety in the state, a 25-year-old father, identified as M. Tejeda, faces severe legal consequences after his 3-year-old daughter fatally shot her younger sister with his gun. Tejeda has been charged with first-degree murder and other serious offenses following the tragic death of his 1-year-old daughter at the hands of her 3-year-old sister.
The events unfolded on the evening of February 28 when Tejeda, after realizing what had happened, frantically called 911 to report that his older daughter had shot her sibling. According to the distressing details shared by local media from an arrest affidavit, first responders responded to the scene and rushed the youngest child to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly before 9:30 p.m.
During the investigation, Tejeda told police that he had fallen asleep in the living room while watching television with his daughters. Upon waking, he realized his handgun, which he had been carrying in an insecure holster, might have been accessible to the children. He claimed to have then placed the gun on the living room fireplace mantle, approximately 4 feet high, presumably out of reach of his daughters.
However, the situation took a turn for the worse when Tejeda, who was changing clothes in another room, suddenly heard a loud bang. His daughter emerged crying and confessed to something involving his gun. Rushing to the living room, Tejeda found his youngest daughter with a fatal gunshot wound in the head. The firearm was discovered on the couch next to the injured child. The affidavit further reveals that the 3-year-old had previously shown curiosity about the firearm, indicating a potentially foreseeable risk that was tragically overlooked.
Following the shooting, Tejeda’s daughter was taken for a forensic interview at a child advocacy center. Despite the gravity of the situation, she did not mention the incident, focusing instead on other aspects of her day. This detail highlights the complexity and innocence of a child’s mind in the face of such traumatic events. The children’s mother, who was away at the time getting tattoos, rushed back upon receiving a horrifying call from Tejeda. She found her daughters in chaos and immediately took charge of the older child, who was repeatedly apologizing for the incident.
Tejeda now faces a first-degree murder charge, emphasizing the severity with which the law views negligence involving firearms, especially around children. Additionally, he is charged with criminal possession of a weapon by a felon and two counts of aggravated child endangerment. These charges reflect the broader implications of his decisions leading up to the fatal shooting. According to reports, Tejeda was convicted on aggravated battery, possession of marijuana, and flee and elude charges in connection with a DUI checkpoint incident in 2019.
Currently held in the county jail, Tejeda’s actions have sparked a broader discussion on gun safety and child protection. This case serves as a grim reminder of the critical importance of securing firearms, particularly in homes with young children. The legal proceedings and community reaction will likely continue to unfold as the family and community grapple with this unthinkable tragedy.
