‘Oh, a flashlight’: 4-year-old boy has tragic last words before dying when unsecured gun suddenly goes off while he plays with items on a bedside table

A heartbreaking tragedy in Indiana has led to criminal charges against both parents after a 4-year-old boy was fatally shot when he discovered an unsecured handgun while playing in his parents’ bedroom.

The child’s final words — “Oh, a flashlight” — have become a devastating reminder of the dangers associated with improperly stored firearms in homes with young children.

Fatal Shooting Inside Family Apartment

The incident occurred on May 30, 2025, at an apartment complex located on Clear Creek Trail in North Manchester, Indiana. Emergency responders were dispatched to the residence after reports of a shooting involving a child.

When authorities arrived, they found 4-year-old Charlie Stanley suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, the young boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to investigators, the shooting happened while Charlie and his younger brother were being watched by a family member. The children’s parents, Nathan Stanley and Mikayla Stanley, were away from the apartment at the time.

Child Was Playing Near a Bedside Table

Court documents revealed that the family member supervising the children was changing the younger child’s diaper in the parents’ bedroom when the tragedy unfolded.

While she was occupied with the younger sibling, Charlie began playing with various items placed on a bedside table.

The caregiver later told investigators that she was unaware one of the objects on the table was a loaded handgun.

Moments before the shooting, she heard Charlie say, “Oh, a flashlight.”

She immediately turned toward him after hearing the comment.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the gun discharged almost instantly after the child picked it up.

The bullet struck Charlie in the torso, causing fatal injuries.

Gun Identified as a Canik 9mm Handgun

Investigators determined that the weapon involved was a Canik 9mm handgun belonging to Charlie’s father, Nathan Stanley.

Authorities said the firearm had been left unsecured and accessible to children.

The gun was reportedly stored outside a safe despite previous warnings and agreements regarding firearm safety inside the home.

The discovery became a central focus of the criminal investigation that followed.

Mother Immediately Suspected One of Father’s Guns

After hearing about the shooting, Charlie’s mother, Mikayla Stanley, reportedly arrived at the apartment and immediately suspected that one of her husband’s firearms had been involved.

According to court documents, she told investigators that Nathan Stanley was “always leaving them out.”

Investigators also stated that Mikayla admitted she frequently argued with her husband about properly securing firearms around the home.

The affidavit reportedly quoted her as saying she was “always getting onto Nathan about locking his guns up.”

Father Admitted Leaving Multiple Firearms Unsecured

During questioning, Nathan Stanley reportedly acknowledged that he had gone shooting several days before the incident.

Authorities said he admitted that after returning from the outing, he left multiple firearms unsecured rather than placing them inside a gun safe.

Investigators said the weapons left outside secure storage included:

• A Canik 9mm handgun
• Two additional handguns
• A shotgun
• A rifle

The presence of several unsecured firearms in a home with young children became a major factor in the criminal case.

Previous Child Safety Plan Had Warned About Firearms

Court records indicate that Nathan Stanley had previously agreed to a child safety plan established by Indiana’s Department of Child Services.

The safety plan reportedly emphasized the importance of properly securing firearms inside the residence.

Authorities alleged that despite those requirements, the firearms remained accessible within the home.

Prosecutors argued that the failure to follow those safety measures directly contributed to Charlie’s death.

Criminal Charges Filed Against Both Parents

Following the investigation, both Nathan Stanley and Mikayla Stanley were charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death.

The charges alleged that the parents failed to protect their child from a known danger by allowing firearms to remain accessible.

Authorities arrested both parents and booked them into the Wabash County Jail.

The case attracted significant public attention because of the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the child’s tragic final words.

Father Pleads Guilty and Receives Prison Sentence

Nathan Stanley ultimately entered a guilty plea to neglect of a dependent in connection with his son’s death.

A judge later sentenced him to 23 years in prison, with three years suspended.

As a result, he is expected to serve a lengthy prison term for his role in the fatal incident.

The sentencing marked a significant development in a case that prosecutors argued was entirely preventable.

Mother Scheduled for Separate Trial

While Nathan Stanley resolved his case through a guilty plea, Mikayla Stanley continued to face charges.

Court records indicated that her case was scheduled to proceed to trial separately.

Prosecutors have maintained that both parents bore responsibility for the conditions that allowed the firearm to remain accessible to their children.

Remembering Charlie Stanley

Beyond the criminal proceedings, family members and loved ones have remembered Charlie Stanley as a joyful and affectionate child whose life ended far too soon.

His obituary described him as a bright and charming young boy who brought happiness to those around him.

According to the tribute, Charlie especially loved spending time with his younger brother.

Family members noted that one of his favorite activities was “reading” picture books to his little brother, even at such a young age.

The obituary portrayed a child full of curiosity, energy, and love for his family.

A Tragedy That Authorities Say Was Preventable

Investigators and prosecutors have emphasized that Charlie’s death resulted from an unsecured firearm being left within reach of a child.

The case has been cited as another example of the devastating consequences that can occur when guns are not stored safely around children.

What began as a normal day under the supervision of a family member ended in unimaginable loss when a 4-year-old boy mistook a handgun for a flashlight.

His final words — “Oh, a flashlight” — have remained one of the most heartbreaking details of a case that ultimately led to criminal convictions, prison sentences, and the loss of a young life that family members say was filled with promise and joy.