For Immediate Release
April 22, 2025
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced charges against a Grandview man after his toddler son shot and killed himself with his loaded firearm.
Ronald L. Lewis faces 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter, a class C felony.* If convicted, he could face three to ten years in prison.
“The death of this child is a heartbreaking tragedy and one that was entirely preventable,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “Firearms are one of the leading causes of death among children. Gun owners have a responsibility to ensure deadly weapons never fall into the hands of children. Properly securing firearms and using gun locks is not just a recommendation, it’s a matter of life and death. Gun owners will be held accountable when their carelessness leads to devastating tragedies like this one.”
According to court records, Kansas City police were dispatched to a residence on Nov. 2, 2024, on a reported shooting and were told that the two-year-old victim suffered a gunshot wound to the head. The victim was later declared deceased at the local hospital.
The defendant told detectives he was sitting on the couch in the residence with the victim when he heard a single gunshot next to him and noticed the victim was shot in the head. The defendant told detectives he previously placed his loaded handgun under a pillow on the couch he and the victim were seated on.
The defendant is in custody on a $30,000 bond.
Gun Safety Recommendations:
- Use safes or lockboxes to keep unloaded guns. Ammunition should be locked away separately.
- Use gun locks – Children’s Mercy has free gun locks available at all their locations, no questions asked. Call (816) 234-1607. The Kansas City Police Department also offers free gun locks.
- Talk with your children about guns and teach gun safety.
*Charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.
# # #
Media Contact:
Jazzlyn Johnson
Director of Communications
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
415 E 12th Street
Kansas City, MO - 64106
(816) 929-1289
jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org
https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com