Three individuals, including parents, face charges following the shooting death of the 4-year-old Kastari "Star" Nunez on Thursday, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced.
At the time of the shooting
According to authorities, Star was shot inside a home along 2900 block of Secane Drive. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small also said that when officers arrived at the home, they found a blood trail near the front door of the home.
The child was brought by family members to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital with a gunshot wound in the abdomen, late Monday night. However, the child was pronounced dead, early Tuesday, just minutes after arriving in the hospital.
It was the hospital that called 911 regarding what happened to the child.
After the shooting, investigators revealed that there are four individuals, including the child's parents, who were in the home at the time of the shooting. During an inspection, a .357 revolver was recovered from the living room with five live rounds and one spent cartridge casing.
Facing multiple charges
In a statement, Krasner said that his office charged both parents, along with a third individual, in the completely preventable death of the child.
Star's parents, Alhakim Nunez and Iris Rodriguez, both 29, were charged with involuntary manslaughter, endangering the welfare of a child, corruption of minors, and obstruction of Justice. Nunez also faces additional charges including possession of a weapon by a convicted felony.
Both parents remained jailed on Thursday - Nunez on $1,000,000, while Rodriguez on $500,000 bail.
Another individual, by the name of Ashley Gushue, 31, was held on $100,000 bail and was charged with unsworn falsification to authorities, tampering with evidence, and obstruction of justice.
During further inspection
Police investigations uncovered that at the time of the shooting, Nunez was conducting a drug deal upstairs, while Gushue was in the room with the child.
During preliminary investigation, authorities determined that it was very unlikely that the child shot herself. As of now, the police are still trying to find out who pulled the trigger.
The Homicide Unit of the Philadelphia Police is leading the investigation to Star's case.
Justice for the young girl
Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw expressed his regret towards Star's life, mentioning that the mishandling of a gun had led to the child's death.
"The loss of young life is especially tragic, particularly when it is the result of the irresponsible handling of a firearm," Outlaw added.
Krasner also expressed his gratitude to the people working behind the vigorous and active investigations of the horrendous incident.
Krasner said in a statement that they too are working to make sure that justice will be served in memory of a child who was lost too soon. The DA's office has also stated that they are working hard to know all the facts surrounding the case. He also extended his thanks to all of the dedicated officers who worked in investigating the case.
An angel statue and a flower were placed outside the family's home, in memory of the young girl.
