In a tragic incident in Starkville, Mississippi, a 2-year-old boy named Ar'moni Rikee Turnipseed died on December 16, 2024. The young male's death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The incident occurred on a Sunday at a residence on Louisville Street. Young Ar'moni, also identified as Armani Turnipseed, discovered a firearm that was not secured and accidentally shot himself. He was transported to Blair Batson Children's Hospital in Jackson, where he succumbed to his injuries that Monday evening.
Following the incident, authorities arrested 24-year-old Nigel Cheatham. Cheatham was charged with felony child deprivation of necessities with substantial harm. The firearm belonged to Cheatham and had been left unsecured in a drawer. An autopsy was ordered to be performed.
Ar'moni was born on May 26, 2022, in Starkville to Amaya Turnipseed and Nigel Cheatham. Funeral services were held at Bethel M.B. Church, with arrangements handled by Hairston and Hairston Funeral Home.
