Cockroach-Covered Shotgun Discovered in Filthy Missouri Home After 11-Year-Old Girl Shot Dead, Police Say
A tragic and deeply troubling case out of Missouri has led to criminal charges after authorities discovered unsafe living conditions — including a cockroach-covered shotgun — inside a home where an 11-year-old girl was fatally shot.
Investigators with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a child suffering from a gunshot wound at a residence in Moberly. When deputies arrived, they found the young girl critically injured. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead.
Children Left Unsupervised
According to court documents, several children between the ages of 7 and 12 were inside the house at the time of the shooting. Authorities allege that the children were left without adult supervision when the fatal incident occurred.
Investigators later recovered a handgun believed to have been involved in the shooting. Police say the firearm was not properly secured, raising serious concerns about child safety inside the home.
Disturbing Living Conditions
While processing the scene, deputies reported finding extremely unsanitary conditions throughout the residence. Trash and debris were allegedly piled in multiple rooms, along with rotting food, scattered medication, and strong odors consistent with prolonged neglect.
In one bedroom, officers discovered a shotgun mounted on a wall that was reportedly covered in cockroaches. Authorities described the scene as hazardous and unsafe for children.
The adult resident of the home, Jo Marie Timmons, 37, was later arrested and charged with multiple counts of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child. Prosecutors allege that the unsafe conditions and unsecured firearms created a dangerous environment that ultimately led to the child’s death.
Legal Consequences
If convicted, Timmons could face a lengthy prison sentence under Missouri law. One of the charges is connected to the fatality, which significantly increases potential penalties.
She is currently being held in custody pending further court proceedings.
Community Reaction
The tragedy has shaken residents of Missouri, with many expressing shock at the reported conditions inside the home. Child safety advocates say the case highlights the importance of proper firearm storage, adult supervision, and timely reporting of neglect.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the firearm was accessed and whether additional charges may be filed.
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