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A Utah man faces multiple charges after his toddler son accidentally killed himself with the gun Maile allegedly told police he always kept within arm’s reach.
Police were called to his West Valley City home on May 29, after receiving reports from neighbors who heard a gun go off.
Officers arrived to find Maile covered in blood and his son, Puniani, unconscious on the floor, bleeding from his head, according to the warrant. They also found a handgun Maile allegedly later admitted was his.
“Maile stated that he was asleep on the floor with his Walther CCP either next to him on the floor or under his pillow,” the warrant alleges. “Maile stated that he kept his gun ‘fully loaded and off safety within arm’s reach’ at all times.”
Maile allegedly told investigators his two sons fell asleep next to him on the floor. He awoke when the gun fired, the warrant states.
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Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill told theSalt Lake Tribunethe homicide charge stemsfrom Maile’s alleged negligence.
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“This is a little bit different than somebody who takes their weapon and puts it in a case up in the closet somewhere, hidden behind the clothes, and some child inadvertently finds it and shoots themselves,”he told the paper.
Salt Lake County Jail
“We know that he loved Puniani so much,” she said.
PEOPLE was unable to reach Maile for comment; he has since been released on bond.
It was unclear if he has an attorney. He has not entered pleas to the charges.
source: people.com
