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A Missouri woman is facing serious charges after leaving several children unsupervised, resulting in a tragic incident where one child fatally shot another. The incident has led to charges of endangering the welfare of children.
The woman, identified as Jo Timmons, 37, is facing five charges, one of which involves causing a death, according to KMIZ. Currently, Timmons is being held without bond at the Randolph County jail.
Police documents reveal that officers were summoned on January 18 following reports of an 11-year-old suffering from a gunshot wound. The child was rushed to a hospital where, unfortunately, they succumbed to their injuries.
Timmons admitted to law enforcement that on that day, she had left three children—ages 10 and two 7-year-olds—by themselves while she went out to collect her paycheck. However, it was later discovered that an 11-year-old and a 12-year-old were also present at the residence.
She recounted receiving a call from the children alerting her of an unfamiliar vehicle in the driveway. Shortly after, she received another call from a girl claiming that she had accidentally shot someone, as detailed in the partially redacted court documents.
The children told investigators that an unknown vehicle did pull into the driveway, and they hid in Timmons’ bedroom. One of the children reportedly grabbed a handgun, which “accidentally” went off, the statement says.
One of the children knew enough to tell investigators that the gun’s safety was on, but they didn’t know there was a bullet in the chamber.
The 12-year-old reportedly helped deputies locate the handgun in a dresser drawer.
Deputies found living conditions at the home poor, noting the smell of feces and urine throughout and trash, including loose pills and used condoms. They also noted a roach-infested shotgun on the wall of Timmons’ bedroom, and witnesses said the handgun was “not always kept secure.”
It’s not at all clear how many children actually lived in the home, who they belonged to, or who the unknown vehicle belonged to.
“All I can really probably say at this time is that there either have been or were several children residing in this home,” Randolph County Prosecutor Stephanie Luntsford said.
Deputies noted poor living conditions for the children, including smell of feces and urine being persistent throughout the home, as well as various trash, including loose pills and used condoms, being found.
A cockroach-infested shotgun was also found on the wall of Timmons’ bedroom, the deputy wrote. Interviewers with witnesses also claimed the handgun was “not always kept secure,” court documents say.