A man in Indiana has been arrested and is facing charges in connection with a fatal shooting that killed his wife and injured their infant daughter.
The Kokomo Police Department said that Cameron Tomlinson was taken into custody after he changed his story about the shooting that took place on February 24, according to WXIN.
The suspect’s wife, 21-year-old Jessica Tomlinson, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the chest in their apartment. Meanwhile, the couple’s young child also suffered a significant hand injury amid the shooting.
Cameron, 21, reportedly told investigators that Jessica had shot herself when she was handling the gun while holding their 1-month-old daughter at the same time. He went on to allegedly claim that the revolver was discharged as Jessica tried to open it with one hand.
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While speaking to police, he explained that the couple was getting ready for a night out and claimed that Jessica insisted he carry a revolver because it “went well with his outfit.” He then claimed that Jessica was holding the revolver after she went to get it out of a safe, which was when he told her to be careful because the hammer was in the “cocked position.”
WXIN reported that Cameron’s story later changed, and he allegedly told officers that he was holding the gun when it discharged and hit his wife and daughter.
Cameron went on to claim that Jessica was holding the weapon in a way he didn’t like, so he reached over and grabbed it out of her hands. He said that the gun then went off as he pulled the revolver away from her.
The officer asked Cameron to clarify if he grabbed the weapon by the grip and touched the trigger in the process, and he responded that he must have. Cameron then reportedly said, “To sum it up, that means I shot her.”
After the gun went off, Cameron told police he set the weapon on the bed. He added that he wasn’t initially aware that his daughter was injured in light of the shooting.
He claimed to police that he attempted to perform life-saving measures on his wife before authorities arrived. Once police reported to the couple’s apartment, they pronounced Jessica dead at the scene. Additionally, the couple’s daughter was rushed to Riley Hospital for Children for treatment.
Jessica’s death has since been ruled as a reported homicide by the coroner, per the outlet.
The Kokomo Police Department said that Cameron is now facing charges that include reckless homicide and criminal recklessness in connection to the shooting.
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It is not currently clear if Cameron has entered a plea or retained legal representation following his arrest.
Additionally, it’s not known if the couple had a history of domestic issues in the past.
If Cameron is convicted of reckless homicide, he could face up to six years in prison.
The Kokomo Police Department did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for comment regarding the case.
The investigation into the shooting and Jessica’s death remains ongoing.
