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A tragic incident unfolded when a father reportedly dozed off with a firearm in his pocket, only to wake up and discover his child severely injured. The child succumbed to the injuries soon after.
Steven Lamont Phillips is now facing a charge of criminal homicide following the death of his six-year-old son, as confirmed by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department in Tennessee. Initially, he was arrested for aggravated child neglect and illegal possession of a firearm.
Details regarding Phillips’ plea remain unknown, and attempts to contact his attorney have been unsuccessful.
According to the police report, Phillips claimed that on March 28, he fell asleep with a gun in his pocket after playing with his son in the living room. He reportedly awoke to a gunshot and discovered his son had been shot. He then called for a family member to dial 911, and police responding to the scene found the firearm on the living room floor.
The child, in critical condition with a head injury, was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Despite medical efforts, he passed away on March 30.
Phillips has prior felony convictions for attempted theft, noted the press release, along with aggravated robbery and gun possession.
The boy’s family told Fox 17 News in a statement that the boy—whose nickname was “Junebug”—was a blessing.
“Our sweet, dear Junebug was full of love and joy,” read the statement. “He had the brightest smile and the kindest heart. He loved his noodles, his dinosaurs, his tablet, and most of all, he loved his family.”
The statement continued, “He brought so much happiness to everyone around him, and he will be deeply missed. We want the world to remember him for the pure, gentle soul that he was.”
A spokesperson from the Office of the District Attorney Nashville declined to comment when asked by Oxygen. It is unclear when Phillips will next appear in court.