A four year old remains hospitalized in critical condition after an accidental shooting at the hands of her three year old brother inside of their home located at 8180 NW 21st Avenue in Miami-Dade's West Little River neighborhood.
Miami-Dade Police Detective Andre Martin says Quavanta Ennels,25, was charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He is the child's mother's boyfriend.
Ennels confessed to leaving the gun inside of a backpack, unattended, in a bedroom where the victim and three other minor children were playing.
The boy got a hold of it, and shot his sister, leaving her critically injured. No details about the children in the home have been released other than their ages: two, three, four and six.
According to the police statement,
"The preliminary investigation reveals that another young child that lives within the home picked up the unsecured firearm and discharged it in the direction of the victim, striking her. There was a total of four children, and at least one adult present within the home at the time of the shooting. The investigation revealed that Quavanta Ennels, the owner of the firearm used by the minor, is a convicted felon who was in possession of the firearm. Mr. Ennels was charged accordingly."
Ennels told police he'd unlawfully bought the gun, a Taurus G26C 9mm, about three months ago for $250, the report said.
The State Attorney's Office is continuing to investigate this case.
Ennels went before Miami-Dade Judge Mindy Glazer, who set release conditions. Judge Glazer initially set a $25,000 bond, but dropped it to $15,000 saying,
"I'll set a $15,000 bond plus house arrest with a GPS monitor, level 3 house arrest. Waive costs and fees. I want the monitor on to make sure you’re not going to flee, sir."
As of Tuesday morning, Ennels did post that bond, and is expected to begin his house arrest.