Rostraver couple charged after 4-year-old injured by self-inflicted gunshot
A Rostraver couple was charged Monday in connection to a July incident in which a 4-year-old child in their care shot himself with a handgun.
Laura Steele, 32, and Michael Lynn, 37, each face a felony charge of endangering the welfare of a child and a misdemeanor of reckless endangerment.
According to a press release from the office of Westmoreland County Nicole Ziccarelli, the child continues to receive “constant medical care.”
“This was a tragic and unacceptable shooting that ultimately could have and should have been prevented. There is one simple solution to prevent these types of incidents from happening, and it is to store your firearms in a safe and secure location,” Ziccarelli said in the release.
Court records state that Rostraver police were called to Steele and Lynn’s home in the 100 block of Gaudio Drive at about 11:43 a.m. July 6.
According to the criminal complaint, both Steele and Lynn were home at the time. Investigators learned that the gun was kept under a bed, unsecured and loaded.
Steele and Lynn were arraigned Monday before District Judge Wayne Vlasic, who released them on $25,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Jan 5.
According to the release, Ziccarelli’s office is partnering with Ray of Hope to provide free gun locks. Gun locks can be obtained by contacting Lisa Goldberg at egoldberg@mhaswpa.org.