In a shocking incident that highlights the dangers of improper firearm storage, two Florida parents have been arrested after their 4-year-old twin boys accidentally shot themselves with a handgun discovered under a couch cushion.
Tragic Discovery Leads to Critical Injuries
The Orange County Sheriff's Office confirmed that both children were rushed to an Orlando hospital following the Saturday morning incident and remain in critical but stable condition. The shooting occurred on November 8 at the family's residence, where deputies later discovered three firearms during their investigation.
According to arrest documents, 39-year-old Keishara B. Goodrum told detectives she had been drinking alcohol the night before the incident and placed her handgun underneath a living room couch cushion because she wasn't wearing clothing with a waistband. She admitted to investigators that she forgot to remove the weapon from its dangerous hiding place.
Morning of Horror Unfolds
The tragic sequence of events began when Goodrum was cooking in the kitchen and heard a loud 'pop' from the living area. She initially continued cooking but later recognized the sound as a gunshot. When she investigated, she discovered one of her twin sons with a gunshot wound near his arm.
Maurice Wayne Bright Jr., 40, who was in the backyard at the time, rushed into the house upon hearing the commotion. The parents immediately placed both children in their car to transport them to the hospital. During the drive, they made the horrifying realization that both twins had been injured in the incident.
Legal Consequences for Parents
Law enforcement began their investigation after being called to Advent Health East hospital regarding two young boys with gunshot wounds. Through their investigative measures, police determined that neglect had occurred resulting in great bodily harm to both children.
Keishara B. Goodrum now faces two counts of child neglect with great bodily harm, while Maurice Wayne Bright Jr. was arrested on a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The case serves as a stark reminder to all gun owners about the critical importance of proper firearm storage, particularly in homes with young children.
This tragic incident underscores how quickly curiosity can turn to catastrophe when firearms are not secured responsibly. As the children continue their recovery in hospital, their parents face serious legal consequences for their failure to protect them from accessible weapons in their home.
