Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputies reported that on Tuesday evening, 3-year-old Jadarrius Speights was killed when he accidently shot himself with a handgun.
Detectives said Jeffrey Walker, 29, was sharing a bedroom with the child, and the handgun was in a backpack. Walker left the room, and Jadarrius started going through the back pack. When he found the handgun, he was playing with it when it fired.
Walker was charged with culpable negligence, and was booked and later released from the County Jail.
Jeffrey Donnell Walker
At the time of the shooting, Jadarrius’s parents, Jasmine Bell and Trentin Speights, were in the apartment located just south of Fletcher Avenue on 22nd Street.
Jadarrius’s great aunt, Mary Bell, said her great nephew was Jasmine’s only child.
“She was taking a shower when she heard the shot. She jumped out of the shower, and found Jadarrius on the floor. He died in her arms.”
Ms. Bell said Walker moved in with his sister and her fiancé a couple of months ago, and they knew he had a permit for a gun, but never saw it.
“Other people knew he had a gun, but never knew where he kept it. He said he always made sure the safety lock was on the gun before he put it away.”
Ms. Bell said Jasmine was very excited when she gave birth to Jadarrius.
“I called him Scudda. That was my nickname for him. We spent a lot of time together and he, along with his parents, enjoyed coming over.
The family is asking for help with funeral arrangements for Jadarrius, and anyone who wants to make a donation should call (813) 446-0084.
The family has asked Wilson’s Funeral Home to assist them with a service.
