Granite Falls father pleads guilty in accidental shooting of baby

Jesse Kitson, a father from Granite Falls, recently pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter related to the accidental shooting death of his 11-month-old daughter, Naleyna Rhonda Jean Kitson, in December 2021. The tragedy occurred when a loaded revolver was left unsecured on a coffee table, leading to the child suffering a fatal gunshot wound. Initially charged with first-degree manslaughter, both Kitson and the child's mother, Arabella Watts, faced serious charges due to unsafe firearm storage practices. Kitson, who has no prior felony history, is expected to serve five to six years in prison, with sentencing set for January 15, 2024. The case highlights the critical importance of firearm safety in homes with children, prompting discussions about secure storage practices and the legal ramifications of negligence.

As the details of this case unfold, it serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers associated with improper gun storage.