In Topeka, Kansas, a mother named Mariann Belair, 24, has been given a life sentence for the tragic incident where her 2-year-old son accidentally shot and killed his 4-year-old sister. The sentence mandates that she serve at least 25 years before she is eligible for parole. A jury had previously convicted her of aggravated child endangerment and first-degree murder during a felony back in May. The prosecution argued that Belair had placed a loaded handgun on the couch next to her while at home with her children, including the tragic incident where her son picked up the gun and shot his sister.
Belair explained during her trial that she had temporarily placed the handgun on the couch while getting ready to go out with her family. She mentioned that her daughter distracted her by asking for a photo, causing her attention to shift away from the gun. The prosecution highlighted that the gun remained unattended for a significant amount of time in the presence of small children, leading to the tragic outcome.
Following her conviction, court records revealed that Belair felt dissatisfied with her trial attorney, accusing them of discouraging her from accepting a plea deal that would have resulted in a shorter sentence. A new attorney has been appointed to her case and has requested a new trial to review the circumstances surrounding the initial conviction.