ROLAND, Okla. — A Roland father is facing manslaughter charges after his 2-year-old daughter died in an accidental shooting after he allegedly fell asleep with his loaded gun on the dresser.
Court documents say that on October 23, Roland police reported to the home of Thomas Goddard after hearing a 2-year-old had been shot.
Assistance Chief Chris Waters along with a first responder transported the girl to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.
According to the probable cause affidavit, interviews revealed that Goddard had laid his firearm on the dresser and fell asleep, and while sleeping, his 2-year-old daughter was able to get the gun and shoot herself accidentally.
Family members told police that Goddard always either kept the gun in his pocket or on the dresser at all times and that there were other guns in the home "not kept up high," the affidavit says.
Goddard allegedly told police that he had received some gun safety in the Boy Scouts "but nothing formal," and that he had taught gun safety to his other kids, but that his 2-year-old was too young but "taught her not to touch."
On April 17, 2024, Goddard pleaded not guilty.
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