An unfortunate incident in Ohio led to the death of a young girl when her teenage cousin accidentally discharged a firearm, resulting in her uncle now facing serious legal repercussions.

Matthew Seymour, aged 33, has been formally charged with involuntary manslaughter and child endangerment following the tragic death of his 11-year-old niece, Amya Frazier. On December 5, Amya was reportedly shot by her 14-year-old cousin, and she succumbed to her injuries on December 8, according to the Columbus Dispatch. The cousin has been charged with reckless homicide and taken into custody.

Before his arrest, Seymour offered insights into the tragic events in an interview with a local news outlet, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Amya’s untimely death.

Seymour explained to the Columbus Dispatch that he was absent from the home on the evening of December 5. However, another adult was present with Amya and Seymour’s son. During the time this adult was in the shower, Seymour’s son reportedly accessed a firearm and began to handle it carelessly.

A report from the Columbus Division of Police states that officers responded to the incident at a Columbus residence at 6:26 p.m. on December 5, where they discovered Amya suffering from a severe gunshot wound. Following her passing, police identified her 14-year-old cousin, Seymour’s son, as the alleged shooter. The teenager is currently held in a juvenile detention facility.

In his interview with the Columbus Dispatch, Seymour said that he had taken the gun out of its lockbox at 3 a.m. the morning of the shooting because the dogs were reacting to something outside. Instead of returning the firearm to its lockbox, Seymour left it on a mini fridge, where his son later found it. He maintained that the shooting was an “accident,” but conceded, “There’s nothing that me nor my son can do to make this go away.”

Seymour added, “I’m ready for any consequences that come my way. I just don’t want my son to lose his life over this.”

Seymour was charged with involuntary manslaughter and endangerment of a child. He is in custody at the James A. Karnes Correction Center, where he is being held without bond. His arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 26.