Reggie RáShárd Mabry, a 26-year-old African American male, tragically lost his life on May 26, 2022, in Orlando, Florida. Mabry was fatally shot while playing a video game at his home. The incident occurred when his 2-year-old son found a gun that was not properly secured and accidentally discharged it, striking Mabry. This heartbreaking event unfolded in the presence of Mabry's wife, Marie Ayala, and their three young children.
Following the incident, Marie Ayala, 28, was charged with
multiple offenses, including manslaughter by culpable negligence, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and violation of probation. Both Ayala and Mabry were on probation for previous charges related to child neglect and narcotics possession. The Orange County Sheriff's Office emphasized that the tragedy could have been prevented if the firearm had been properly stored, highlighting the importance of gun safety, especially in homes with children.
The investigation revealed that the gun was typically stored in a backpack left on the floor or under a pillow, making it easily accessible to the children. Initially, authorities suspected suicide, but further investigation and statements from Mabry's 5-year-old son clarified that the 2-year-old had fired the fatal shot. This incident not only resulted in the loss of Mabry's life but also led to the arrest and legal proceedings against Ayala, who remained in jail without bond. The children were placed in the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families, as the family grappled with the devastating consequences of this preventable tragedy.
