In Evansville, Indiana, a joyful and curious three-year-old boy named Jayvinvontae Keion-Ray Carter, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025. Born on January 27, 2022, 'Jay,' as he was affectionately known, was a child full of energy and wonder who had a love for being outside and riding in cars. His family described him as an old soul in a little body who gave the best hugs and could brighten anyone's day just by being near them.
The tragic incident occurred at an apartment on Florence
Street where Jayvinvontae discovered a handgun that had been stored under the cushions of a couch. His mother made a desperate attempt to grab the firearm, but it discharged, inflicting a fatal wound. Emergency medical personnel transported the young boy to Deaconess Midtown Hospital, but he did not survive his injuries.
Following the incident, the boy's father, 30-year-old Jovontae K. Carter, was arrested. He reportedly fled the scene with the handgun and admitted to police that he threw it in a creek because he no longer wanted to see it. Investigators later recovered the weapon in the yard of a home. Witnesses confirmed that Carter typically hid the gun under the couch cushions.
Jovontae K. Carter was taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail and is facing multiple charges, including neglect of a dependent causing death and illegal possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. He was also charged with possession of marijuana. The final decision on the charges will be made by the prosecutor's office.
