In Indianapolis, a tragic story unfolded that led to the death of five-year-old Hakiem Scott. The young male's life was cut short on May 12, 2023, inside his home on the Near Eastside. On that Friday evening, in the 1300 block of North Kealing Avenue, a gunshot shattered the evening quiet.
Earlier that evening, Hakiem's father, Jabar Scott, was watching television with his two young sons.
He placed a loaded nine-millimeter handgun in the side of the couch where the children were sitting before he went to the bathroom. Moments later, a single shot was heard. Both parents ran to the living room to find five-year-old Hakiem covered in blood. He was rushed to the hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Investigators believe the young boy found the gun and accidentally shot himself.
In the aftermath of the tragic event, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department launched an investigation. During a search of the home, authorities found the handgun and cocaine. This discovery, coupled with the circumstances of the shooting, led to the arrest of Hakiem's father. Jabar Scott, 25, was taken into custody and subsequently charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death and possession of cocaine.
According to court documents, Jabar Scott admitted to leaving the firearm on the couch near his children. He told investigators he had asked his wife, Mariah Steuer, to watch the children while he was in the restroom. Steuer informed detectives that she was in the kitchen on the phone when she heard the gunshot and immediately called 911. Further investigation revealed that the boy's mother tested positive for cocaine. While Jabar Scott claimed he was holding the cocaine for a friend, his wife stated that they were both using the drug.
