Maine Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Son's Accidental Shooting Death
The father pleaded guilty to manslaughter and child endangerment after his 4-year-old stepson found an unsecured handgun.
A Maine father has been sentenced to eight years in prison for his role in the death of his 4-year-old stepson, who fatally shot himself with an unsecured handgun in May 2026. Robert McCoy, 37, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child on August 3, 2026, and was sentenced by Justice Jennifer Archer on Friday.
McCoy will serve eight years of incarceration followed by six years of probation. During his probation, he is prohibited from interacting with children under the age of six, possessing firearms or ammunition, and may be subject to random searches.
According to the Sun Journal, the incident occurred at McCoy's apartment in Lewiston. His stepson, Jasper Smith, discovered a loaded 9mm Luger handgun in a zipped bag. The child then took the weapon to a room, where he accidentally shot himself in the head. McCoy found the wounded child and transported him to his mother, Mikayla Smith, before calling 911.
Emergency services responded to the scene, and the child was taken to Central Maine Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit and the Lewiston Police Department led the investigation, resulting in McCoy's arrest in June 2025.
Testimony from family members during the sentencing revealed concerns about Smith's well-being prior to his death. Several relatives reportedly contacted the Department of Health and Human Services Child and Family Services on multiple occasions, citing concerns about the child's living conditions and care. The Sun Journal reported that these calls prompted seven investigations, but no definitive findings were made.
Anthony Smith, the child's uncle, wrote to the court that his nephew's death was preventable and described him as a "fun-loving child." Relatives had allegedly requested the child be removed from the home due to what they described as "filthy conditions and lack of care." Jasper's biological father, Andrew Northam, also testified, expressing his regret for not having had the opportunity to know his son better.
McCoy's attorney, Justin Leary, characterized the incident as "criminally negligent" but stated that McCoy practiced gun safety regularly and that he loved and cared for his children. McCoy addressed the court, saying, "I am sorry. I failed you all. I deeply loved my son. I love you Jasper as I do my own children."