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Keiara Bickett, a 28-year-old Indianapolis mother, has been charged after her 2-year-old son, Javarius Bickett, fatally shot himself with a handgun he reportedly found in her purse.
According to WTHR, officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department responded to reports of a person shot at CVS Pharmacy around 3 p.m. on June 19, 2025. Keiara reportedly informed officers that she was driving in the parking lot whenher 2-year-old son had shot himself in the head.
Additionally, she noted that her son had reportedly been in his car seat in the back seat of her car. However, per WTHR, he allegedly was not wearing a seatbelt. As she was parking her car at the pharmacy, she noticed that Javarius was near the middle console and then heard a gunshot go off. Furthermore, the incident reportedly occurred when Keiara’s 8-year-old daughter was also in the car, sitting in the front seat.
Ultimately, Javarius was rushed to Riley Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Per the outlet, Keiara told police she was carrying a 9mm Glock Model 26 Gen 5 handgun, and kept it in her purse when she went out shopping. She reportedly stated that she usually keeps her purse zipped up. However, on that day, she believes it was not.
“It was an absolute accident,” Keiaras mother, Melissa Etheridge, told reporters. “She may have had negligence for not having the gun in a safe place, but she would never harm any of her children. She loves her kids to death. It’s tearing me up. It’s tearing her daughter up.”
According to PEOPLE, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office charged Keiara with “neglect of a dependent resulting in death” on June 20. She was reportedly arrested on August 21. Additionally, Keiara has temporarily lost custody of her now 9-year-old daughter. On Friday, September 5, Keiara appeared in court, where the judge issued the no-contact order.
Furthermore, WTHR adds that the 9-year-old will be cared for by her grandmother. This, at least until Keiara returns to court on September 22. At that time, the judge will reportedly review the no-contact order. Lastly, WTHR reports that Keiara could face between 20 and 40 years behind bars if convicted.
“I know she should have punishment for what happened, but that’s just too much,” Melissa Etheridge told the press.
In addition to Keiara Bickett, another Indiana mom made headlines and landed behind bars earlier this year. As The Shade Room previously reported, in January, Chantell Gardner was accused of leaving her kids home alone “every day” to spend time with her boyfriend. On one occasion, when she returned, she reportedly found her 2-year-old daughter deceased.
Gardner was also charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death.
