Stepfather Sentenced After 4-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shoots Himself With Unsecured Gun at Home

A Maine family is facing the lasting pain of losing a young child after a 4-year-old boy, Jasper Smith, fatally shot himself with a loaded gun that was accessible inside his family’s home.

Robert McCoy, 37, was sentenced on October 9, 2026, after pleading guilty to manslaughter in connection with Jasper’s death. He received a 17-year prison sentence, with nine years suspended, meaning he will serve eight years in prison followed by six years of probation.

A Tragedy That Could Have Been Prevented

The fatal incident happened on May 17, 2025, at the family’s apartment in Lewiston, Maine.

According to court reports, Jasper found a loaded handgun inside a zipped crossbody bag near a bassinet. The child carried the weapon into his bedroom, where it discharged, fatally injuring him.

Jasper’s mother and McCoy called emergency services, and the child was rushed to a hospital. Despite the response, he was pronounced dead that morning.

Several other young children were also inside the home at the time.

A Mother’s Trust, a Family’s Grief

During sentencing, Jasper’s mother, Mikayla Smith, spoke about the devastating loss and said she had trusted McCoy to keep her son safe.

McCoy apologized in court, acknowledging the pain his actions had caused. He said he was sorry and admitted, “I failed you all.”

The case also raised concerns about how firearms were stored in the home. Prosecutors argued that keeping a loaded gun within a child’s reach amounted to reckless criminal negligence.

The Sentence and What Comes Next

Along with his prison term, McCoy will face six years of probation after his release. The conditions prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition and restrict contact with children under the age of six.

Jasper’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of securely storing firearms, especially in homes where young children live.

Source: PEOPLE

Additional source: Maine News Now