A mother and father in Kansas are facing felony charges after one of their children apparently found a loaded and unsecured shotgun and shot two siblings dead at their home in Brookville, authorities said.
Background
Aaron French, 37, and Makayla French, 28, have been charged with four counts of aggravated child endangerment in connection with the deaths of Paxton French, 8, and Lilly French, 5, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. The Ellsworth County attorney filed charges on Friday.
Agents determined that on March 28, a young child accessed a loaded firearm that was not properly secured inside the family's residence and shot both siblings. Brookville is located approximately 100 miles northwest of Wichita in central Kansas.
Lilly French was pronounced dead at the scene while her brother Paxton was airlifted to a hospital, where he died on April 3, nearly a week after the shooting. The investigation remained ongoing for several months before charges were filed against their parents.
Paxton's obituary described him as a child who loved riding his go-kart and four-wheeler and hoped to join the U.S. Army one day. He enjoyed playing Minecraft with his siblings and had a special bond with his hamster, according to family information.
Lilly was remembered as a kindergartner who adored K-pop music, singing, and anything outdoors. Her obituary noted she loved school, had a deep love for animals, and possessed what family described as 'a kind and nurturing heart.'
The Charges
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation confirmed that both Aaron French and Makayla French are charged with four counts of aggravated child endangerment in connection with the deaths of their two children. The charges allege the parents recklessly placed their children in danger of physical harm by failing to properly secure a loaded firearm.
Authorities have not disclosed how the young child accessed the weapon or how many shots were fired during the incident. The investigation was conducted by the KBI with coordination from local law enforcement in Ellsworth County.
Both parents are scheduled to appear in court on July 28 for their first appearance on the felony charges. The case is being prosecuted by the Ellsworth County attorney's office.
Key Takeaways
- Paxton French, 8, and Lilly French, 5, were shot by a young sibling who found an unsecured loaded shotgun at their Brookville, Kansas home on March 28
- Lilly died at the scene; Paxton survived but succumbed to his injuries nearly a week later on April 3 after being airlifted to a hospital
- Parents Aaron French, 37, and Makayla French, 28, have been charged with four counts of aggravated child endangerment each
- The Ellsworth County attorney filed charges approximately three months after the incident occurred
- A court appearance is scheduled for July 28
What's Next
Aaron French and Makayla French will appear in Ellsworth County District Court on July 28. The case represents a significant test of Kansas child endangerment laws, as prosecutors must prove the parents knowingly or recklessly failed to secure a dangerous weapon accessible to minors.
The investigation remains under the jurisdiction of the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. Additional details regarding how the child accessed the firearm may emerge as the case progresses toward preliminary hearing or trial.