Robert McCoy, 37, was at his Lewiston apartment or condo when Jasper Smith found a packed handgun inside a bag. The kid brought the weapon into another space, where it released.
McCoy pleaded guilty on August 3, 2026, to murder and threatening the well-being of a kid. The murder charge at first brought a possible sentence of approximately 30 years.
Justice Jennifer Archer sentenced McCoy to 8 years behind bars, followed by 6 years of probation, throughout a Friday early morning hearing.
As a condition of his probation, McCoy can not have contact with kids more youthful than 6. He is likewise disallowed from having guns or ammo and might go through unannounced searches.
The Sun Journal reported that Archer stated Jasper discovered McCoy’s packed 9mm Luger inside a zipped bag at the household’s apartment or condo. The kid then entered into a bed room, where he mistakenly shot himself in the head.
Four-year-old Jasper Smith found his stepfather’s crammed 9mm Luger in a zipped bag at the household’s house before mistakenly shooting himself.
Numerous family members informed the Sun Journal they had actually gotten in touch with the Department of Health and Human Services Child and Family Services about issues for Jasper Smith’s well-being before his death.
Robert McCoy, 37, confessed to murder and threatening the well-being of a kid on August 3, 2026.
McCoy discovered Jasper hurt in the bed room, brought him to his mom, Mikayla Smith, and called 911.
Authorities stated a number of loved ones remained in the apartment or condo when emergency situation teams showed up. Jasper’s older bro was asleep at the time of the shooting.
The kid was carried to Central Maine Medical Center, where he later on passed away.
Following an examination by the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit and the Lewiston Police Department, McCoy was jailed in June 2025.
According to the Sun Journal, numerous member of the family affirmed that they had actually gotten in touch with the Department of Health and Human Services Child and Family Services before Jasper’s death to report issues about his wellness.
Anthony Smith, Jasper’s uncle, informed the court in a letter that the kid’s death might have been avoided. He explained Jasper as a “fun-loving kid.”
Loved ones stated they consistently asked authorities to get rid of Jasper from the home, mentioning what they referred to as unclean living conditions and insufficient care from his moms and dads.
Member of the family apparently made 17 calls to the department, causing 7 examinations including Jasper’s moms and dads. Those queries produced no concrete findings.
Jasper’s uncle, Anthony Smith, informed the court that the kid’s death might have been avoided and remembered him as a “fun-loving kid.”
Loved ones stated they had actually consistently looked for Jasper’s elimination from the home due to the fact that of supposedly unclean conditions and an absence of adult care.
The outlet likewise reported that Andrew Northam, Jasper’s biological daddy, affirmed that he had actually attempted to reconnect with his kid and enter into his life once again.
‘I lost my kid before I ever got a possibility to understand him,’ Northam stated in court.
Justin Leary, McCoy’s lawyer, explained the mishap as ‘criminally irresponsible’ however stated his customer did practice weapon security frequently.
‘He did love and look after his kids. He is crushed and haunted by his death,’ Leary informed the court.
‘I am sorry. I failed you all. I deeply enjoyed my boy. I enjoy you Jasper as I do my own kids,’ McCoy stated.
The Daily Mail has actually connected to Justin Leary, McCoy’s lawyer, for talk about his behalf.
The Daily Mail has actually likewise gotten in touch with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services for remarks or extra information.
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