Warren, Michigan – A Metro Detroit mother is facing criminal charges after her 3-year-old son accidentally shot himself with an unsecured firearm inside their home. Prosecutors say the case highlights the importance of Michigan’s relatively new safe gun storage law, which was enacted to prevent exactly this kind of incident.
Incident Overview
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Daniellys Villegas-Moreno, 24, of Warren, has been charged after her young son gained access to a firearm and discharged it, injuring himself. Authorities allege the gun was not secured with a lock or safety device at the time of the incident.
The child suffered a gunshot wound to his hand and was taken for medical treatment. Officials confirmed he is in stable condition.
Timeline of Events
Prosecutors say the incident occurred on January 20, when the child found the firearm inside the home. Investigators later determined the weapon was not equipped with a gun lock, nor was it stored in a locked container.
Villegas-Moreno was arraigned on Tuesday, where a judge set a $10,000 cash/surety bond. The court also imposed several strict conditions should she be released.
Details From Prosecutors
As part of her bond conditions, Villegas-Moreno is prohibited from using or possessing any firearms, must wear a GPS tether if released, and is not allowed to leave the state of Michigan.
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido emphasized that Michigan’s safe storage law, which took effect in 2024, is intended to protect children from preventable gun injuries.
“If a firearm is in a household where children could gain access, it must be stored in a locked container or fitted with a device that makes it unusable,” Lucido said.
He added that the law was specifically designed to reduce incidents involving children unintentionally discharging firearms found in homes.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Defendant: Daniellys Villegas-Moreno, 24
- Location: Warren, Michigan
- Date of Incident: January 20
- Victim: 3-year-old child
- Injury: Gunshot wound to the hand
- Bond: $10,000 cash/surety
- Law Involved: Michigan safe gun storage law (effective 2024)
What the Law Requires
Michigan’s safe storage law makes it a criminal offense to leave a firearm unsecured if a minor is likely to gain access to it. Firearms must either be:
- Stored in a locked container, or
- Fitted with a locking device that prevents operation
Failure to follow these requirements can lead to criminal charges, especially if a child is injured as a result.
Broader Context on Child Gun Injuries
Incidents involving children and unsecured firearms remain a serious public safety concern nationwide. According to public health researchers, accidental shootings by children often occur when guns are left loaded, unlocked, or easily accessible inside homes.
Law enforcement officials stress that proper storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent such tragedies, particularly in households with young children who may not understand the dangers of firearms.
Upcoming Court Dates
Villegas-Moreno is scheduled to return to court for a probable cause conference on February 10, followed by a preliminary examination on February 17. During those proceedings, a judge will determine whether the case proceeds to trial.
Conclusion
Prosecutors say this case serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with unsecured firearms in homes with children. While the child is expected to recover, officials stress that the incident was entirely preventable under existing state law.
As the case moves through the court system, authorities hope it raises awareness about responsible gun ownership and the legal consequences of failing to secure firearms around minors.
If you or someone you know has been affected by similar safety concerns, share your experiences in the comments below.
