The mother of a toddler who shot and killed himself after finding a gun in a home is facing criminal charges and is being held on bond, while a man linked to the weapon also remains jailed. Authorities said the tragedy happened Monday on Kodiak Drive near Canal Winchester.
The child, identified as Cartier Smith, discovered the gun while his mother was asleep and fatally shot himself. Prosecutors allege the weapon had been hidden by the boy’s mother, 26-year-old Carley Dials. In court, they said Dials placed the firearm between a bed and a wall before going to sleep.
While unattended, her toddler son found the gun and discharged it, causing his death. Dials has been charged with involuntary manslaughter. During her court appearance, prosecutors urged the judge to impose a $1 million bond, citing the seriousness of the case.
Defense attorneys countered that Dials has no prior criminal record and emphasized that the shooting was not intentional. Dials remained silent throughout the hearing. The judge ultimately set her bond at $50,000, as per WSYX.
A second individual connected to the case, 28-year-old Sean Perrin, also faces charges. Perrin has been accused of having weapons under disability, meaning he was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions. Prosecutors said Perrin fled the home following the shooting.
Perrin chose not to appear in court during his scheduled hearing. He is being held in jail on existing warrants. The judge set his bond at $750,000. Police said both defendants remain in custody as the investigation continues.
Additional details about how Perrin obtained the firearm and why the weapon was left in the home have not been released. The tragic case has drawn attention to ongoing concerns over unsecured firearms in homes with children.
Authorities reminded the public that safe storage of weapons is crucial to prevent similar incidents. Cartier Smith’s death remains under investigation, and officials have not yet said if further charges may be filed.