WHITE CLOUD, Mich. — A 65-year-old woman has entered a no contest plea regarding a different charge related to her grandson’s tragic death, while being accused of breaching Michigan’s new gun storage regulations. This incident raised concerns about firearm safety in homes with children.

Braxton Dykstra, a five-year-old boy, lost his life on April 1 when a six-year-old cousin accessed an unsecured shotgun at the home of Theresa Robart in Newaygo County. The horrifying incident was witnessed by another child present at the scene.

Theresa’s husband, Karl Robart, recently received a sentence exceeding three years in prison after admitting to his own violation of the state’s gun storage law. The firearm in question belonged to him and highlighted the importance of securing firearms in households with young children.

In Michigan, it is mandated that firearms must be stored in a secured manner whenever children are in the vicinity. The implications of failing to adhere to this regulation can vary based on the circumstances, particularly if injuries or fatalities occur as a result of negligence.

In her plea, Theresa Robart admitted to second-degree child abuse. Reports indicate that the prosecutor in Newaygo County will not recommend imprisonment at her upcoming court appearance, signaling a focus on the specifics of the case rather than a push for a harsher penalty.

According to data from the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, at least 21 states have implemented laws concerning the responsibility of keeping firearms away from children, addressing a critical aspect of gun safety in domestic settings.