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Mom Gets Probation in 2-Year-Old Son's Shooting Death

A Lakeland mother will serve seven years of probation for unsafely storing a firearm that led to the death of her 2-year-old child.

Circuit Judge Roger Alcott issued the sentence for Stephanie Sharell Nealy on Monday in Bartow. She pleaded guilty in November to that charge, along with charges of possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

Taj Ayesh died of a gunshot wound to the head in November 2013.

The Ledger of Lakeland reports Nealy said her son followed her when she went to get something from her truck. She said she moved a loaded gun to the driver's seat. The boy tried climbing into the truck and she says she was facing away from him when she heard a gunshot.

She also will have to complete drug treatment.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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