A 55-year-old grandmother has been sentenced to four years in prison after her nine-year-old grandson used her unsecured firearm to shoot a teenager.
The verdict was delivered by a judge in Baltimore Circuit Court on September 14, following April Gaskins’ conviction on charges of reckless endangerment and allowing firearm access by a minor, according to a statement from the Baltimore City’s State Attorney’s Office.
State Attorney Ivan J. Bates emphasized the importance of responsible gun ownership and said the sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of negligence.
The incident took place on August 6, 2022. Gaskins’ grandson was displaying a gun to a group of kids on his front porch when it discharged, hitting 15-year-old Nykayla Strawder in the head. Strawder was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The gun was registered to Gaskins, the boy’s legal guardian.
In response to the unfortunate event, loved ones set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses for Strawder, suggesting she was trying to protect her younger sibling at the time.
Gaskins informed investigators she kept the gun, which was hers, on her bedroom closet floor. She also mentioned that her grandson could access her bedroom, where he often watched TV. An investigation of Gaskins’ home revealed two boxes of 9mm Luger ammunition, an empty magazine, and an empty gun box.
Under Maryland law, the nine-year-old cannot be charged due to his age.
During Gaskins’ sentencing hearing, Aleah Strawder, Nykayla’s sister, commented that her sister did nothing wrong.
Brandon Mead, Gaskins’ attorney, indicated that Gaskins believed the gun was not loaded and plans to file an appeal. He also noted that Gaskins had no prior interactions with law enforcement.
