Insets, from left: Paxton French and Lilly French (Smith Family Funeral Home). Background: The home in Brookville, Kan., where Paxton and Lilly were allegedly shot and killed by a sibling (KWCH).
In Kansas, tragedy struck when a young sibling allegedly accessed an unsecured, loaded shotgun and fatally shot a 5-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy. Their parents are now facing serious legal repercussions.
Aaron French, 37, and Makayla French, 28, have been charged with four counts of aggravated child endangerment. This legal action follows the devastating deaths of their children, Paxton French, aged 8, and Lilly French, aged 5, as reported by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
The incident unfolded on March 28 in the family’s Brookville home, approximately 100 miles northwest of Wichita. Investigators revealed that a “young child,” having discovered the improperly secured weapon, shot their siblings, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Lilly French was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, Paxton was urgently airlifted to a hospital. Despite efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on April 3. In the wake of this heartrending event, the Ellsworth County attorney proceeded to file charges against the parents last Friday.
Cops did not say how the child located the weapon or how many shots were fired. The charges state the mother and father “recklessly” placed their children in danger of physical harm.
Paxton’s obituary said he loved riding his go-kart and four-wheeler and hoped to join the U.S. Army one day.
“He loved playing Minecraft, especially when he could share that time with his siblings, laughing, building, and creating worlds together. He had a special love for his hamster, showing a gentle and caring heart in the way he took care of his little companion,” the obituary said.
Lilly enjoyed K-pop and singing and anything outdoors, her obituary said.
“Lilly loved school and had a deep love for animals, always wanting to care for and look after them,” it reads. “She also loved to swim and be active. Lilly had a kind and nurturing heart, always caring for others. She was a true princess who adored pretty clothes, dresses, shoes, and boots.”
Aaron French and Makayla French are slated to appear in court on July 28.