Three men to be charged under Michigan's new safe storage laws after 2-year-old boy finds gun, shoots himself in the head

FLINT (WWJ) -- Three people are expected to face criminal charges in the tragic death of a 2-year-old boy in Flint.

Police say the little boy, identified Cortez Legend Guy, was pronounced dead at Hurley Medical Center after getting a hold of a gun and shooting himself in the head, early Wednesday.

The tragic incident happened at around 2:45 a.m. on May 15, at a home in the 700 block of East Philadelphia Ave., on Flint's north side

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leighton said the child was in the home with his 26-year-old father and two male cousins. When the 31-year-old cousin left the home at around 1 a.m., he didn't take the gun with him.

"We believe the firearm was brought in by one of the cousins, and we believe that the cousin left it behind," Leyton told reporters.

Prosecutors plan to file charges against all three men for violating Michigan's new safe gun storage laws causing death, involuntary manslaughter and weapons crimes.

The new state laws took effect in February of this year.

"This is a terrible tragedy," Leyton said. "A little 2-year-old guy, he's gone...It's an awful situation."

The child's father is also expected to be charged with lying to police and drug charges, as while as a felon in possession of a firearm.

The suspects' names are being withheld at this time, as they await an arraignment.

With this tragic incident in mind, Michigan State Police are reminding gun owners to assure that their weapons are properly stored.

The MSP Third District posted on X : "Please remember that Michigan’s secure storage law requires individuals to keep unattended weapons unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is reasonably known that a minor is likely to be present on the premises. Free gun locks are available at any MSP post."