Blount County, Alabama — A tragic shooting inside a Blount County home has left a 2-year-old boy dead and his mother facing serious criminal charges, as investigators continue to piece together what led to the fatal incident involving unsecured firearms.
Prosecutors say the case underscores the devastating consequences of unsafe gun storage in homes with young children.
Child Found With Gunshot Wound
Deputies were called to a residence in Blount County around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, after reports of a child being shot. According to Blount County Sheriff’s Office, first responders arrived to find 2-year-old Noah Etress suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.
Life-saving measures were attempted at the scene before the child was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Sheriff Mark Moon said other children were inside the home at the time of the shooting, and investigators believe the incident was accidental.
Mother Arrested, Faces Multiple Charges
The child’s mother, Evelyn Leyva Etress, 40, was arrested and charged with reckless manslaughter and aggravated child abuse, according to Blount County District Attorney’s Office.
District Attorney Pamela Casey announced the charges Friday, noting that the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine exactly how the shooting occurred.
Court records indicate Etress was also held on drug-related charges and was later released from custody on Saturday, January 10. It remains unclear whether she has entered a plea or retained legal counsel.
What Investigators Say Happened
According to court documents cited by local outlets, Etress told investigators she left Noah and two of his siblings alone in a bedroom while she went to another part of the home to make tea.
She allegedly reported hearing a loud noise moments later and returned to find two children running from a closet, where Noah was found lying on the floor near a handgun.
Investigators said multiple firearms were recovered inside the home, and Etress allegedly admitted that a handgun had been left on a dresser overnight.
Prosecutors: Injury Not Self-Inflicted
Prosecutors emphasized that the child’s death was not the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, though officials have not publicly stated who fired the weapon.
“When a gun is left out, a child doesn’t see danger — they see something familiar,” District Attorney Casey said. “And that misunderstanding can turn into tragedy in seconds.”
The Alabama Department of Human Resources has since taken custody of the surviving children, according to officials.
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Sheriff Urges Gun Safety in Homes With Children
Sheriff Moon said the case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of safe firearm storage, particularly in households with young children.
“Any time you have firearms in a home with children, they must be secured,” the sheriff said during a press conference. “This investigation is ongoing, and we are committed to determining all the facts.”
Authorities continue to review evidence and interview witnesses as part of the case.
A Broader Warning for Parents
Law enforcement officials say accidental shootings involving children remain a persistent concern nationwide, especially when guns are left loaded or unsecured.
They urge parents and caregivers to:
- Store firearms locked and unloaded
- Keep ammunition secured separately
- Use gun safes or trigger locks
- Educate family members on firearm safety
Investigation Continues
As prosecutors move forward, officials stress that the charges reflect the responsibility adults carry to protect children from preventable harm.
Anyone who suspects child abuse or neglect is encouraged to seek help. Resources are available 24/7 through national and local hotlines.
What steps do you think should be required to prevent firearm-related tragedies involving children? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
