Eian H. Santiago, a 3-year-old boy from Chicago, IL, tragically lost his life on October 17, 2015. The incident occurred in the family's Humboldt Park home, where Eian was accidentally shot in the head by his 6-year-old brother while they were playing a game of cops and robbers. The boys were under the supervision of their grandfather, who was in an upstairs apartment when he heard the shot.
The grandfather carried Eian from the family's apartment to Norwegian American Hospital, and Eian was later transferred to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The father of the boys, Michael Santiago, 26, faced charges following the incident. Santiago, a former gang member, had purchased a revolver to protect himself after being labeled a "snitch" for testifying at a murder trial. He did not have a concealed carry license or an FOID card. Santiago had warned his elder son that the Smith & Wesson .32-caliber revolver, which was bundled in a pair of pajama pants atop the refrigerator, was to be handled "only by adults." Despite this warning, the 6-year-old boy found the loaded gun and accidentally shot his younger brother while the toddler was eating a bowl of macaroni and cheese.
Michael Santiago pleaded guilty to endangering the life or health of a child and was sentenced to two years probation. The case highlighted the dangers of keeping firearms in homes with young children and the tragic consequences that can result from such situations. Santiago was released on bond in the days following the shooting and was sentenced by Judge Alfredo Maldonado. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of gun safety and the devastating impact that a moment of negligence can have on a family.
