Highland, California — A Southern California mother and her boyfriend appeared in court Wednesday facing multiple charges related to the tragic death of a 2-year-old boy who fatally shot himself after finding an unsecured firearm in their home.

Jamaria Cobb, 20, and Armand Bright, 52, pleaded not guilty during their arraignment in San Bernardino Superior Court. Prosecutors charged the pair with child abuse resulting in the death of toddler A’mier Doe, additional child abuse involving Cobb’s other 1-year-old child, and first-degree criminal storage of a firearm.

The incident occurred on July 16 at a residence in the 6900 block of Victoria Avenue in Highland. Deputies responded around 5:27 p.m. to find the toddler suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a hospital and later pronounced dead. Authorities said the boy found the gun hidden between two couch cushions and shot himself.

San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson stated: “The death of a child is a profound tragedy. Our office is committed to pursuing accountability in cases where unlawful and unsafe access to firearms results in devastating loss.”

Cobb and Bright are being held on $250,000 bail each. Child and Family Services took custody of the second child found in the home.

A friend of Cobb described her as a devoted mother who “loves them to death and wouldn’t try to put them purposely in any danger.” The case highlights ongoing concerns about firearm storage in homes with young children.

Sources:

• New York Post