MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A Minnesota man faces felony charges after his 11-year-old son was critically injured in a shooting. Prosecutors allege Martinez Castillo Lloyd, 34, left children unsupervised with access to loaded guns. The boy was allegedly shot by his 13-year-old cousin, who reportedly told police it was an accident.
However, investigators determined that Lloyd is a convicted felon. Because of his criminal history, he is barred from possessing firearms, giving no legal reason for the children to be around guns that he owned.
Since the horrifying shooting took place, he has been charged with felony possession and negligent storage of weapons. He admitted to investigators that he was aware children had handled the guns on previous occasions.
The incident occurred when the children found two loaded firearms in an unsecured drawer. Despite the girl’s claim she didn’t intend to shoot, the gun discharged. The accidental gunfire resulted in the 11-year-old boy being mistakenly shot in the face.
Tragically, the child remains hospitalized and is currently in critical condition. Lloyd’s prior convictions include felony drug sales and burglary.
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi underscored the importance of safe gun storage. His office spearheads a Gun Safety Initiative providing free gun locks to residents.