The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office has charged two fathers in connection with incidents involving minor children gaining access to loaded firearms with devastating consequences.

On Friday, Jan. 5, LCSO deputies responded to a Rebecca Lane residence in reference to a shooting. The investigation revealed a toddler gained access to an unsecured and loaded handgun inside the home; the toddler fired one shot. That shot struck a teenage juvenile sibling, causing serious injury. The teenager has since recovered.

On Wednesday, the father of both children — 33-year-old Farentino Roberts — was charged by the LCSO with misdemeanor child abuse, failing to store firearms to protect minors and contributing to the neglect of a minor by a parent. Roberts turned himself over to officials when notified of the charges.

On Sunday, Jan. 14, a 3-year-old boy was killed after gaining access to an unsecured loaded handgun in Pink Hill and shooting himself.

Today, LCSO deputies charged Clarence Byrd III, 29, with involuntary manslaughter and negligent child abuse. Byrd turned himself in to officials when notified of the charges.

Roberts received an unsecured bond for his charges; Byrd received a secured bond.

“My heart goes out to the families involved in these tragic incidents,” Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers said. “Please support these fathers and their families as they navigate the future.

“I challenge all Lenoir County residents to practice firearm safety in their homes, especially in homes were children are present.”

For information on how to talk to children about gun safety, rules for safe gun storage and rules for safe gun handling, please visit the N.C. Department of Public Safety online at ncdps.gov/dps-services/safety-tips/gun-safety.