Father who accidentally shot daughter denied release for funeral
An Ohio man charged with killing his 11-year-old daughter Thursday was denied a temporary release to attend the child’s funeral.
Deandre Kelley, 34, was charged with the shooting death of Achauntiara Lanza during an argument with the victim’s mother. State court Judge Nadine Allen cited security concerns for the decision.
Kelley’s lawyer, Hugh McCloskey Jr., said the judge expressed concern that people might want to hurt his client or that his presence at the funeral could spark a dispute.
“This motion was requested because it was requested by Mr. Kelley’s family, especially the deceased young lady’s mother,” he said. “This is a family unit, whether we like it or not. They’re suffering right now. In order to start healing, it’s something they need to go through together.”
The mother, who was not identified, could not be reached for comment.
According to prosecutors, an intoxicated Kelley showed up at a slumber party Lanza was hosting at her mother’s house on Jan. 12. An argument between the parents ensued and Kelley allegedly fired his gun into the air during the exchange. The bullet struck Lanza in an upstairs bedroom. She died later that day from the wound.
Kelley turned himself in the next day and was charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, endangering children and having a weapon under disability. The latter charge stemmed from a previous conviction for cocaine possession. He is being held on $500,000 bond. Lanza’s funeral is on Saturday.
SAD.
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