FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Investigators said the parents of a 6-year-old Fort Collins boy who accidentally shot himself turned themselves in Friday.
On April 10, Fort Collins Police Services (FCPS) responded to a home in the 1200 block of Lincoln Avenue for a shooting. It was determined that Roy Summers had accidentally shot himself, according to the Larimer County coroner's office. His death was ruled an accident.
However, FCPS investigators said they learned that Roy’s mother, Rosinetta Mackall, had taken the handgun out earlier that day. She left the unsecured weapon in an area frequently accessed by her children, FCPS said. Several hours later, Roy picked up the gun and accidentally shot himself, according to the agency.
Mackall faces the following charges:
- Child abuse – knowingly/recklessly causes death
- Unlawful storage of a firearm
Detectives interviewed Mackall’s husband, Ron Matthews, 35, who was not living at the home and wasn’t present when the shooting happened. When questioned about his interactions with Mackall surrounding the incident, Matthews lied and tampered with evidence of their conversation, FCPS said.
As a result, he faces a charge of:
- Attempt to influence a public servant
- Tampering with physical evidence
Arrest warrants were signed for both Mackall and Matthews on April 21. FCPS had been trying to locate them since then. Police believed Mackall and Matthews had fled the area, but tweeted Friday afternoon that they turned themselves in. Both were booked into the Larimer County jail. Mackall is being held without bond. Matthews' bond was set at $50,000, according to jail records.
The couple's last contact with authorities was during a civil court hearing on the same day the warrants were issued.
“While people will be held accountable for their reckless actions, nothing can bring back this little boy. Justice feels like a hollow word in cases like this, but each of us can honor Roy’s life through our own actions,” said Chief Jeff Swoboda.
“If you own guns, always keep them secured. Talk to your family and friends about safe storage and handling. Please remember Roy and take responsibility.”
Swoboda reminds residents the Larimer County Sheriff's Office has free gun locks and other resources available. Visit larimer.org for more information.
Anyone with information about this case or the suspects' current location is asked to contact Detective Matt Schuh at 970-416-8043. People who wish to remain anonymous can also contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or www.stopcriminals.org.
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