A Georgia woman has been accused of leaving a loaded firearm unsecured inside a vehicle, where her 4-year-old nephew discovered it and fatally shot her 2-year-old son. The tragic incident took place just as the family was preparing to begin a Florida vacation intended to celebrate the young boy’s birthday.
Shakelia Tennyson has been indicted on a charge of aggravated manslaughter of a child in connection with the death of her son, Brayden Tennyson, according to the Ninth Judicial State Attorney’s Office.
“At the center of this case is a mother who has lost her son,” State Attorney Monique Worrell said. “The pain and grief she is experiencing is unfathomable and nothing about this prosecution diminishes it. Bringing this charge was not a decision we made lightly. Yet, it reflects our duty to the child whose life was lost and to every child who depends on the adults around them to keep them safe.”
The incident took place at approximately 4:00 p.m. on July 12, along the 2600 block of Scrapbook Street in Kissimmee, Florida. Osceola County Sheriff Christopher Blackmon addressed members of the press the following day, confirming that the family had traveled from Georgia to Florida for a vacation. At the time of the shooting, the adults in the group were in the process of checking into an Airbnb rental property, having left the two young boys unattended in the vehicle.
The 4-year-old discovered the firearm inside the car and discharged it, fatally striking Brayden.
“It’s literally laying out by itself, so it’s easy to grab and pull the trigger,” Blackmon said. “And you can’t recall that. It’s not a video game. Can’t hit reset and start over. Once you pull that trigger, that projectile is going somewhere, and this one hit a two-year-old and killed him.”
State Attorney Worrell described the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy,” further acknowledging that the 4-year-old child will now be forced to “carry the trauma of what happened” for the foreseeable future.
“No family should ever have to face a loss like this, and no child should ever be able to reach a loaded firearm,” she said. “Securing weapons, especially around vulnerable children is one of the most important things any of us can do to protect the children in our care.”
Prosecutors have declined to disclose additional details surrounding the case. Tennyson made an appearance before a judge on Tuesday, with her next scheduled court date set for December 9.
A GoFundMe fundraising page established on behalf of the family indicated that the trip had been organized to celebrate Brayden’s upcoming third birthday.
“There are no words to describe the heartbreak our family is experiencing,” it reads. “What was meant to be a joyful vacation to Orlando to celebrate sweet Brayden’s 3rd birthday has turned into an unimaginable tragedy. Tomorrow should have been filled with birthday candles, laughter, hugs, and happy memories. Instead, those who love Brayden are left mourning the loss of a beautiful little boy whose life was taken far too soon.”
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