Detroit Mother Faces Charges After Child Fatally Shoots Sister While Left Unattended in Car

A Detroit mother faces multiple charges after her 11-year-old son fatally shot his 6-year-old sister with an unsecured firearm while they were left alone in a vehicle. Tonya Charisse-Annice Johnson, 41, was a DoorDash driver and allegedly left her five children, ranging from ages 2 to 11, in the car in a restaurant parking lot on Harper Avenue to pick up a food order. Police state that an unsecured handgun was present in the vehicle, which the eldest child found and discharged, striking his younger sister in the head.

The tragic incident occurred around noon on Monday, with officers responding to the scene at approximately 12:06 p.m. The 6-year-old victim was transported to a local hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after. Johnson now faces three counts of second-degree child abuse, one count of failing to securely store a firearm resulting in death, and four counts of felony firearm.

During her virtual court appearance on Thursday, Assistant Prosecutor Aniela Bosca highlighted the profound and lasting trauma this event will inflict on the surviving children. Johnson's defense attorney stated that she is deeply remorseful. The defendant is scheduled to return to court on March 13 for further proceedings.