Three-year-old Kills Himself with Loaded Gun Found Under Couch Cushion

In an Evansville, Indiana apartment, three-year-old Jayvinvontae “Jay” Keion-Ray Carter, found a loaded handgun his father had left under a couch cushion, and fatally shot himself. The boy’s father, 30-year-old Jovontae K. Carter, was observed by a witness leaving the scene carrying something. When police found him, he told detectives that “the gun used was his and that he threw it in the creek because he did not want to see it again.” Police also found a handgun magazine and marijuana in his possession. Carter faces multiple charges including, neglect of a dependent causing death, and unlawful carrying of a handgun with a prior felony conviction.

From Jayvinvontae’s obituary, “[h]e loved being outside and riding in cars…[h]was an old soul in a little body who gave the best hugs….[t]o honor Jay’s love for cars, the family invites everyone to join in the funeral procession to the cemetery.”

Source:

Jon Webb, “Evansville Boy Killed in Accidetal Shooting was ‘Joyful’ Child Who Loved Cars,” courierpress.com (June 13, 2025).