On 6/7/2025 Officers were dispatched to an apartment in the 1300 block of Florence St in reference to a “Shots Fired” run. The caller stated their nephew had shot himself. The three year old victim was later transported to a local hospital where he did not survive his injuries.
Officers were informed that a male subject had left the scene carrying something in his hands soon after the shooting. The male was identified as Jovontae K. Carter (30). Officers established a perimeter and began searching for Carter. When Carter was located, he was in possession of a handgun magazine and marijuana. The handgun was not discovered initially. During an interview with detectives, Carter admitted that the gun used was his and that he threw it in the creek because he did not want to see it again.
Witnesses on scene stated the victim found the handgun under the couch cushions of the home. Carter also admitted that he stored the handgun there. Detectives were later able to locate the handgun hidden in the yard of a nearby residence.
Carter was arrested and charged with Neglect of a Dependent Causing Death, Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun by a Felon and Possession of M
