A tragic incident in Gary, Indiana, on July 15, 2026, resulted in the death of 10-year-old Malaysia Robertson. The young girl, who had autism, was discovered in her home with a fatal gunshot wound. The investigation that followed determined that the injury was the result of an accidental, self-inflicted shooting. This heartbreaking event led to the arrest of her father, 29-year-old Mykael Robertson, who was subsequently charged in connection with his daughter's death.
According to authorities, the circumstances leading to Malaysia's death revolved around the unsafe storage of firearms within the home. Mykael Robertson reportedly kept two guns in the top drawer of his bedroom dresser. He informed detectives that he typically stored the weapons unloaded and did not believe his daughter was aware of their location or had the ability to use them. On the day of the incident, Robertson had been sleeping and briefly left the house to walk the dog and make a phone call. When he returned, he found that Malaysia was no longer in her bed and, after a search, discovered her in another bedroom with the gunshot wound. He immediately began performing chest compressions until first responders arrived. Two other children, ages 6 and 7, were also in the home at the time but were unharmed.
In the wake of this tragedy, Mykael Robertson was charged with six felony counts of neglect of a dependent. He was arrested and later released on a $50,000 bond. The children's mother told investigators that Robertson had recently lost his job and was caring for the children. She also expressed her belief that he would never intentionally harm their children. The case has brought renewed attention to the critical importance of secure firearm storage, especially in homes with children. If convicted of the charges against him, Mykael Robertson could face a prison sentence of 20 to 40 years. The case overview reveals a devastating family tragedy resulting from the unintentional consequences of an unsecured firearm, leading to the death of a young girl and serious felony charges against her father.
