Maine State Police Arrest Stepfather in Tragic Shooting Death of 4-Year-Old Boy
Franklin County, ME — A tragic case that has sent shockwaves through the Maine community has taken a significant turn, as the Maine State Police have arrested 35-year-old Robert McCoy in connection with the shooting death of his 4-year-old stepson, Jasper Smith. McCoy is facing charges of Manslaughter and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The heartbreaking incident unfolded earlier this month at a rural residence in Franklin County, where emergency personnel were called to the home following reports that a child had been shot. Upon arrival, first responders found young Jasper Smith suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite rapid efforts to save him, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators, the gun used in the shooting was unsecured and accessible inside the home. While full details have not been released, sources close to the investigation indicate that the child either gained access to the firearm or was shot in circumstances pointing to gross negligence on the part of the adults in the home. After a detailed investigation that included forensic analysis, interviews, and collaboration with child welfare experts, police concluded there was sufficient evidence to arrest McCoy.
McCoy, the live-in partner and stepfather of the victim, was taken into custody and formally charged with:
•Manslaughter – a Class A felony in Maine, indicating recklessness or criminal negligence that results in the death of another person
•Endangering the Welfare of a Child – a Class D crime involving actions or inaction that expose a child to harm
The child’s mother, 27-year-old Mikayla Smith, was also arrested at the time of McCoy’s detention, though her arrest stems from unrelated outstanding warrants, according to Maine State Police. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the nature of her warrants, but noted that she is not currently facing charges in direct connection to her son’s death.
The arrest has provoked widespread sorrow and outrage across the state, particularly among advocates for child safety and gun control. Local leaders and community members have voiced concern over the broader implications of unsecured firearms in homes with children.
“This was a preventable tragedy,” said a spokesperson for the Maine Department of Public Safety. “We continue to see innocent lives lost because of the reckless handling and storage of firearms. A child should never have access to a deadly weapon. This case is a devastating reminder of what’s at stake.”
Neighbors in the small community where the Smith family lived expressed sorrow at the loss of the boy, who they described as energetic, curious, and always smiling. “Jasper was a sweet little boy,” one neighbor said. “We can’t believe he’s gone. It’s heartbreaking to think something like this happened so close to home.”
As the legal proceedings move forward, McCoy is being held in custody. His initial court appearance is expected later this week. If convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison for the Manslaughter charge, along with additional time for the endangerment offense.
The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the firearm was stored, whether it was legally owned, and if any additional parties bear responsibility.
Child welfare agencies have also become involved in the case to assess the home environment and determine whether other children may have been at risk.
Funeral arrangements for Jasper Smith are being handled by a local funeral home. Community members have begun organizing a vigil in the child’s memory, with dozens expected to attend. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to assist with burial costs and to raise awareness about safe firearm storage.
This case adds to the growing number of child-involved gun fatalities in the U.S., with many urging lawmakers to implement stricter requirements for gun storage and safety education.
Anyone with additional information about the case is encouraged to contact the Maine State Police or submit tips anonymously through the state’s Crime Tip Line.
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