Florida man charged with manslaughter after toddler, 2, dies from playing with unattended gun

In a heartbreaking tale of ignoring basic gun safety guidelines, on May 27, the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) announced that their Homicide Unit Detectives arrested 33-year-old Lius Appolon of Pompano Beach, Florida, on manslaughter charges – after a toddler was fatally shot with an unattended firearm.

According to investigators, at approximately 1:47 p.m. on the Saturday of  Memorial Day Weekend 2023, BSO deputies and Pompano Beach Fire Rescue responded to a shooting call near the 500 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Pompano Beach. Once on the scene, emergency crews located the victim, a two-year-old child, suffering from what appeared to be an apparent gunshot wound. 

The toddler was transported by fire rescue to an area hospital and pronounced deceased. Detectives with BSO’s Crime Scene and Homicide units responded to investigate. Representatives with BSO’s Child Protective Investigation Section were also contacted. ~ Broward Sheriff’s Office

During the investigation, detectives learned that the two-year-old was shot by a firearm left unsecured in the home by Appolon.  

Thirty-three-year-old Luis Appolon appeared before a Broward County Circuit judge on Sunday.  The suspect faces one count of manslaughter other than by vehicle.  “I do find that there is probable cause,” said the presiding judge.  ~ WSVN

Appolon was taken into custody and transported to BSO Main Jail. He faces one count of manslaughter with a firearm. The child’s name and gender is not being released.

Appolon was being held on a $50,000 bond. CBS News reports that law enforcement officials did not disclose the relation between Appolon and the toddler that died. The Sheriff’s Office announced that their investigation into the fatal shooting in still ongoing.

“The men and women of the Broward Sheriff’s Office implore gun owners to properly secure their firearms and practice basic gun safety tips,” a BSO spokesperson said.

(Source and Lius Appolon booking photo: BSO)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram