Boy dies after finding 5-time felon’s handgun in Pullman home: prosecutors

The tragic incident that occurred in a Pullman home in Chicago has left a community in mourning after a 2-year-old boy lost his life due to a fatal gunshot wound. The boy, identified as Jamonte Shaw, allegedly found a loaded 9mm handgun belonging to 31-year-old Johnny Hughes inside the residence they shared. The incident took place while Hughes was asleep on a couch, and Jamonte’s mother was in the kitchen with her other children.

As the events unfolded, Jamonte reportedly found the firearm and accidentally shot himself. His mother discovered him on the floor with the gun beside him and immediately called 911. Despite being rushed to Comer Children’s Hospital, Jamonte tragically passed away. He was just days away from celebrating his third birthday.

Upon arrival, Chicago police officers found Hughes in the home and questioned him about the firearm. Hughes directed officers to a bedroom closet where the loaded handgun was recovered. The weapon, equipped with a laser sight, had a round jammed inside, indicating recent use.

Hughes, who has a history of criminal offenses, including prior convictions for unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, reckless discharge of a firearm, and aggravated fleeing and eluding, was on pretrial release for a felony narcotics case at the time of the shooting. Despite being prohibited from possessing firearms, Hughes had access to the loaded handgun that led to the tragic incident.

During a detention hearing, Judge Ankur Srivastava ordered Hughes to be detained pending trial, citing his previous gun offenses, the presence of children in the home, and his status on pretrial release at the time of the shooting. Hughes now faces charges of possession of a firearm by a repeat felon, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon with prior convictions, and child endangerment causing death.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership and the devastating consequences that can occur when firearms are not securely stored. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Jamonte Shaw during this difficult time.