Madison Resident Pleads Guilty to Child Neglect Charge After 6-Year-Old Boy Accidentally Shoots Himself: Importance of Firearm Safety Emphasized
A Madison resident, Zeyheari Powell, has pleaded guilty to a child neglect charge following an incident where a 6-year-old boy in his care accidentally shot himself. Powell, 35, faced the neglecting a child-consequence is great bodily harm charge and entered his guilty plea during a recent court appearance. The court accepted the plea, initiated a presentence investigation, and scheduled a sentencing date for June 29. The charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 12.5 years.
The incident occurred on May 26, 2025, when Powell's girlfriend's 6-year-old son found Powell's gun and accidentally shot himself in the eye. Paramedics provided immediate treatment at the scene before transporting the boy to the hospital. Following the shooting, medical professionals described the child's condition as stable but with a serious prognosis.
The guilty plea by Zeyheari Powell in the child neglect case involving the accidental shooting of a 6-year-old boy highlights the importance of firearm safety and responsible gun ownership. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with firearms and the critical need for proper storage and handling to prevent tragic accidents involving children.