In Fort Wayne, Indiana, a bright-eyed and joyful 5-year-old Caucasian girl named Mya White was tragically killed on the night of February 13, 2015. Mya, who was eagerly looking forward to starting kindergarten, was described as a special and cherished child who brought happiness to everyone around her. Her life was cut short in a senseless act that unfolded in her own home.
On that fateful evening, Mya was at home with her father, Toney White II, who was showing off his firearms to a
friend. In a moment of profound carelessness, while handling a chrome 9mm handgun, the weapon discharged. A single bullet struck Mya above her right eye as she was kneeling nearby. She was found in a pool of her own blood and rushed to the hospital in critical condition, but the devastating injury proved to be fatal, and she died later that night. Though the shooting was initially considered accidental, the Allen County coroner ruled her death a homicide.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Toney White II panicked. Instead of rendering aid, he attempted to conceal the evidence by stuffing the guns into a dresser drawer and trying to clean up his daughter's blood, which was later found by crime scene technicians on the bathroom walls and sink, as well as on two of the hidden firearms. His actions demonstrated a desperate attempt to evade responsibility for the tragedy.
Following a month-long investigation into the heartbreaking incident, Toney White II was arrested for his daughter's death. He faced multiple charges, including reckless homicide and neglect of a dependent resulting in death. The investigation revealed his reckless behavior with the firearms, which included manipulating their safety mechanisms and pulling the triggers. Ultimately, Toney White II pleaded guilty to a level 5 charge of reckless homicide and the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime. His sentencing was scheduled for July 24, 2015, with a level 5 felony carrying a potential sentence of one to six years in prison.
