Grandview man charged after toddler allegedly shot, killed himself with man’s gun
A Grandview man is facing manslaughter charges after his toddler son allegedly fatally shot himself with the man’s loaded firearm.
Ronald L. Lewis, 23, was charged in Jackson County court Tuesday with first-degree involuntary manslaughter.
Kansas City police were dispatched to Lewis’ home on Dundee Circle in Grandview around 11:54 on November 2, 2024, according to court records. On arrival, officers discovered a 2-year-old suffering from a gunshot wound in the garage. The child was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead, court documents read.
Lewis allegedly told investigators that he and his son had been on the couch in the garage and that he had placed a loaded handgun under a couch cushion, according to court documents. Lewis allegedly handed his son an iPad and then turned his attention to playing on the PlayStation, court documents read.
Minutes later, he heard a gunshot and allegedly turned to see that the child had been shot in the head, court documents read. Investigators believe the child had accessed the gun and accidentally shot himself.
“It should be noted that Lewis was visibly upset and crying throughout the duration of the interview,” charging documents read.
In a Monday statement, Jackson County prosecutor Melesa Johnson described the child’s death as a “heartbreaking tragedy.” Johnson also spoke about the importance of properly securing firearms and using gun locks.
“Gun owners have a responsibility to ensure deadly weapons never fall into the hands of children,” Johnson said Monday. “...It’s a matter of life and death. Gun owners will be held accountable when their carelessness leads to devastating tragedies like this one.”
Johnson noted that free gun locks are available, no questions asked, at all locations of Children’s Mercy Hospital. They are also available for free through KCPD.
Lewis is being held on a $30,000 bond and could face between three and 10 years in prison if convicted, according to court records. His first court date has not yet been set.
This story was originally published April 22, 2025 at 4:49 PM.
