Two 4-year-old twins shot after discovering a gun in couch cushions; their parents have been arrested.
A couple in Florida has been arrested following a tragic incident where their four-year-old twin sons sustained critical gunshot wounds. The incident reportedly occurred when the children discovered a handgun that had been concealed in a couch at their family residence in Orange County. Local authorities confirmed the situation, indicating that the boys were swiftly transported to AdventHealth East Orlando, where they are currently in stable condition as of the latest updates.
The mother, 39-year-old Keishara Goodrum, has been charged with two counts of child neglect resulting in great bodily harm. Meanwhile, the father, 40-year-old Maurice Bright Jr., faces a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The incident took place early on Saturday morning, prompting a swift response from law enforcement and medical personnel after the children were brought to the hospital with gunshot wounds.
According to a report by NBC News, Goodrum informed investigators that she had been consuming alcohol heavily on the night preceding the incident. She stated that she had placed her handgun between the couch cushions for safekeeping, as she was not wearing clothing with pockets. This was a critical detail in understanding how the firearm came to be accessible to the children.
The unfortunate incident unfolded when Goodrum was preparing breakfast in the kitchen only to hear what she described as a “loud pop” emanating from the living room. Bright, who claimed to be outside at the time of the shooting, quickly returned upon hearing the noise and the ensuing commotion. The parents promptly loaded their sons into a vehicle and transported them to the hospital, where medical staff subsequently alerted law enforcement about the gunfire.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, which highlights ongoing concerns regarding child safety in households where firearms are present. The case has raised questions about responsibility and preventive measures that could mitigate the risks associated with unsecured firearms, particularly in environments where children are present. Further developments in this case are anticipated as investigations progress.
