WHITE CLOUD, Mich. — A man blamed for the death of his 5-year-old grandson has pleaded no contest to violating Michigan’s new gun storage law, one of the first significant convictions since the law kicked in earlier this year.
Karl Robart faces a minimum prison sentence somewhere in a range of 19 months to three years, according to a deal disclosed Monday in Newaygo County court. He’ll return to court in western Michigan on Oct. 7.
Braxton Dykstra was shot and killed on April 1 when a 6-year-old cousin got access to a loaded, unlocked shotgun at Robart’s home in Garfield Township, investigators said.
In Michigan, someone who pleads no contest doesn’t admit to committing a crime. But it is treated as a conviction for sentencing purposes.
Robart said very little in court. A message seeking comment from his attorney wasn’t immediately returned Tuesday. A similar case against Robart’s wife still is pending.
Michigan’s new gun storage law took effect in February. Firearms must be locked up when children are present. The consequences for a violation depend on the details of each incident and whether someone is wounded or killed.
Braxton’s father, Domynic Dykstra, said the length of his father-in-law’s prison sentence will be too short.
“They ruined my life. … You know, my son’s life was worth way more than that, and they are the reason why he’s gone today,” Dykstra told WZZM-TV.
At least 21 states have criminal laws related to failing to keep a gun away from children, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
A tragic incident in Michigan has brought attention to the importance of responsible gun ownership and storage. A man from Grand Rapids recently entered a no contest plea for failing to properly store his gun, which ultimately led to the death of his 5-year-old grandson.
The incident occurred when the man’s grandson found the loaded gun in a bedroom and accidentally shot himself. The man, who was the legal owner of the gun, had failed to secure it in a safe or lock box, as required by law. As a result, he was charged with involuntary manslaughter and child abuse.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of not properly storing firearms. Guns should always be kept out of reach of children and secured in a locked container or with a trigger lock. Failure to do so can have devastating consequences, as evidenced by this tragic incident.
In Michigan, there are laws in place that require gun owners to store their firearms safely and securely. Violating these laws can result in criminal charges and serious penalties. It is crucial for gun owners to take these regulations seriously and ensure that their weapons are stored in a way that prevents unauthorized access.
Additionally, gun owners should also take steps to educate their children about gun safety and the dangers of firearms. Teaching children to never touch a gun without adult supervision and to immediately notify an adult if they come across a firearm can help prevent accidents like the one that occurred in this case.
Ultimately, responsible gun ownership is essential in order to prevent tragedies like the one that befell this Michigan family. By following proper storage procedures and educating themselves and their families about gun safety, gun owners can help ensure that their weapons do not fall into the wrong hands and lead to devastating consequences.
