Mother of Toddler Shot in Accidental Incident Now Facing Child Endangerment Charge
CLEVELAND, OH — The mother of a two-year-old boy who was shot last month is now facing criminal charges. Teasia Leonard was arraigned on Thursday in connection to the tragic incident that occurred on May 31, where her child suffered a gunshot wound inside their home on Nottingham Road.
According to court records, Leonard is charged with child endangerment for allegedly placing her son in a situation that resulted in a substantial risk to his safety. The young child, who had been left alone in a bedroom, was shot shortly after. Prosecutors say preliminary findings suggest the child accidentally shot himself.
Leonard, who appeared before a judge on Thursday, maintained through her attorney that she did not own a firearm and had no knowledge that a weapon was present in the home. Her defense claims the situation arose from a recent relationship she had entered into. According to her legal team, Leonard had begun dating a man who had brought a friend to the residence, and she was unaware that a firearm had been introduced into the environment.
The court set bond at $1,000 and issued strict conditions for Leonard’s release. She is prohibited from having any contact with her son unless explicitly permitted by Job and Family Services (JFS), who have taken custody of the child. The toddler is now staying with his grandmother as the investigation and court proceedings continue. Leonard is also forbidden from possessing any firearms under the terms of her release.
In a further development, Carmelo Anderson has also been charged in connection with the incident. Prosecutors allege that Anderson played a significant role in the aftermath of the shooting, accusing him of handing the weapon to someone else and instructing them to dispose of it. Authorities say this act hindered the investigation and potentially obscured crucial evidence in the case.
Assistant prosecutors have stressed the gravity of the situation, citing the child’s vulnerability and the preventable nature of the incident. They emphasized that even if Leonard did not intentionally place her child in harm’s way, her alleged failure to ensure a safe environment—especially when allowing unknown individuals into the home—constituted criminal negligence.
The case has garnered significant public attention, raising fresh concerns over gun safety, particularly in households with children. Legal experts say the charge of child endangerment can carry serious consequences, especially when a weapon and injury are involved. The court’s decision to involve JFS and to bar Leonard from contact with her child reflects the severity with which the court views the situation.
As of now, the child’s current medical condition has not been publicly disclosed. Authorities have indicated that additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues and more details emerge.
Leonard’s next court appearance is expected later this month. Meanwhile, prosecutors continue working to determine how the gun ended up within the child’s reach and who may ultimately be held accountable.
For ongoing coverage and updates, stay tuned to local news outlets as this case develops.