In the quiet community of Lawrence, Kansas, the life of one-year-old Autumn Grace Smith, a Caucasian female, was tragically cut short on September 22, 2017. What began as a seemingly ordinary day ended in heartbreak and a subsequent criminal investigation into the circumstances of her death. Autumn passed away in her family's home from a fatal gunshot wound.
According to an affidavit released by the police, the devastating incident unfolded after Autumn and another toddler, a
two-year-old boy, were left unattended. The children reportedly discovered a handgun that had been left accessible. In the moments that followed, the firearm discharged, and Autumn was struck. Responding officers found a handgun, a loaded magazine, and a spent shell casing on the bed next to Autumn's body. Despite the efforts of first responders who performed CPR, Autumn was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the wake of the tragedy, the investigation into Autumn's death led to the arrest of her father, Chance M. Smith. He was subsequently charged with involuntary manslaughter, the allegation being that his reckless actions led to his daughter's death. Additionally, he faced two counts of aggravated endangerment of a child, one for Autumn and one for the two-year-old boy who was also present.
Autumn's mother, Megan Smith, remembered her daughter as a bright and joyful child who was "smiling, funny, full of life, happy all the time." She spoke of how Autumn loved to dance and sing and brought an immense amount of love to their family. A memorial service was held to honor Autumn's memory on what would have been her second birthday.
