Antioch Grandfather Will Face Felony Charges for Letting Three-Year-Old Shoot and Kill Himself

Jamal Edward, 51, will face felony charges of child endangerment and criminal storage of a firearm after his three-year-old grandson shot himself in Antioch. The tragic incident occurred on April 8 when the toddler accessed a loaded handgun while under his grandparents' care. Following the accident, Antioch police recommended that charges be filed against Edward, a decision confirmed by Contra Costa District Attorney Diana Becton’s office. Edward has been issued a notice to appear in court but remains at large. Police Lieutenant Bill Whitaker stressed the necessity of securing firearms to prevent such accidents, calling the event "tragic.

" If convicted, Edward could face a sentence of six years and eight months in prison. The case highlights ongoing concerns about gun safety, especially in households with children. Communities are urged to prioritize proper firearm storage to avoid similar incidents in the future.