Pair wanted, accidental shooting of 6-year-old
Warrants issued for boy’s mother and her husband
Police are actively searching for two people in connection with the accidental shooting death of a 6-year-old Fort Collins boy earlier this month, according to a recent release.
The Fort Collins Police Services announced Thursday morning that Rosinetta Mackall, the boy’s mother, as well as her husband Ron Matthews are wanted in connection with the
April incident.
Police previously announced that on
April 10, Fort Collins 911 received a call at 6:22 p.m. to a home in the 1200 block of East Lincoln Avenue. The caller reported that a child in the home had just shot himself; he was transported to a local hospital and died as a result of his injuries.
The Larimer County Coroner’s Office announced April 12 that the boy, identified as 6-year-old Roy Summers, died from an accidental gunshot wound.
According to the Thursday FCPS release, detectives investigated to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
After processing the scene, gathering evidence and conducting interviews, detectives learned that 40-year-old Mackall had taken the handgun out earlier that day, the release said. She allegedly left the unsecured weapon laying in an area “frequently accessed” by her children; several hours later Summers shot himself.
Following this, Mackall has been charged with knowing or reckless child abuse resulting in death, a class 2 felony; and unlawful storage of a firearm, a class 2 misdemeanor, according to the release.
Detectives also interviewed 35year-old Matthews, Mackall’s husband, who was not living at the home and was not present when the shooting happened. According to the release, when questioned about his interactions with Mackall surrounding the incident, Matthews lied and tampered with evidence of their conversation.
Because of this, he has been
charged with attempt to influence a public servant, a class 4 felony; and tampering with physical evidence, a class 6 felony, according to the release.
Arrest warrants were signed on April 21, the release said, but police have been unable to locate either Mackall or Matthews. The couple’s last contact with authorities, the release added, was during a civil court hearing April 21. Detectives are concerned they may have left the area following that virtual appearance.
“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 Police Chief Jeff Swoboda in the release. “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.”
Anyone with information about the case or the suspects’ location have been asked to contact Detective Matt Schuh at 970-416-8043.
Anyone who wishes to remain anonymous can also contact Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 or stopcriminals.org.