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Background: The Planeview, Kan. neighborhood where Davion Gunter was killed (Google Maps). Inset (left): Tasha Dillard (Sedgwick County Jail). Inset (right): Davion Gunter (GoFundMe).
In September, Dillard admitted to charges of involuntary manslaughter and six counts of aggravated child endangerment, months after her arrest connected to the death of young Davion Gunter. According to court documents reviewed by local ABC affiliate KAKE, Dillard was among several adults gathered at a Planeview apartment complex on March 15. During this time, seven children were present at the location. The adults consumed alcohol in Dillard’s car, leaving the children to amuse themselves inside her apartment.
Tragedy struck just 10 minutes later when one of the children dashed outside, frantically urging the adults to “Take him to the hospital.” The plea prompted a woman to rush into the apartment, where she discovered Davion bleeding from a gunshot wound to his chest. She carried him outside, staying by his side until emergency personnel arrived.
Just 10 minutes later, one of the children came running out.
The child told the group of adults to “Take him to the hospital,” causing one woman to run inside the apartment where Davion was found bleeding from his chest. The woman carried Davion outside and held onto him until first responders arrived.
The same woman later told police that she knew Dillard had bought a gun weeks earlier.
According to court documents, Dillard was “adamant she did not own any firearms and did not have any guns in the house.” She later stated that she did have a gun, but left it on the counter behind her purse where it was not easily visible. The gun was left on the counter after Dillard said one of her friends took a video of herself with it to “look cute” for a Snapchat photo.
Davion was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries. Court documents revealed that a 4-year-old child had gotten hold of the gun and shot Davion in the chest. His death was ruled a homicide.
Dillard was initially charged with first-degree murder before pleading guilty in September to involuntary manslaughter and six counts of aggravated child endangerment.
On Thursday, Dillard was sentenced to 37 months in prison, or three years and one month, plus an additional two years of post-release supervision. Dillard’s attorneys had requested a lower sentence than the minimum, and the judge agreed.