On March 9, 2023, four-year-old Michael Bragg was fatally shot in the head with a 40 caliber handgun at his Kissimmee, Florida home at 2117 The Oaks Blvd while in the care of his father (Michael Bragg, 32) and stepmother (Kemaris Washington, 22). The caregivers gave inconsistent accounts, each claiming the other had been drinking; the stepmother tested positive for THC and alcohol. Investigators believe it is likely the child shot himself, as the wound was directly between his eyes with stippling indicating the gun was 2-3 inches from his face, though they could not prove or disprove adult involvement. The caregivers attempted to hide both firearms in a suitcase after the incident, made a 26-second 911 call that was disconnected, and stopped at a liquor store for over 3 minutes while driving the child to the hospital. Both the father and stepmother were subsequently charged with Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child, and the father was additionally charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The manner of death was ruled undetermined by the medical examiner.
Contexts/Conditions
Is there any mention of child drug ingestion or overdose?
Is there any mention of a drowning incident (either intentional or accidental)?
Is there any mention of a firearm incident?
The fatality report states the child was "brought to the Emergency Room on March 9, 2023, by the father and stepmother with a gunshot wound to the head." The cause of death is listed as "Gunshot Wound of the Head." Two handguns (a 9mm and a 40 caliber) were found in the home, and "The 40 caliber was the gun used." The news article corroborates: "The child arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound to his face, and he was pronounced dead at the hospital."
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
The fatality report's verified findings explicitly include "Inadequate Supervision" as a finding against both the father and stepmother. The circumstances describe a 4-year-old child gaining access to a loaded 40 caliber handgun while the caregivers were apparently asleep or inattentive, watching horror movies on a phone. The news article also notes the father "was sleeping at the home and awoke to find the 4-year-old with the injury."
Is there any mention of inflicted injury? (e.g. slapped, punched, kicked, choked)
Is there any mention of malnutrition, starvation, or dehydration?
Is there any mention of medical neglect?
Is there any mention of a motor vehicle crash or incident?
Is there any mention of a murder-suicide incident?
Is there any mention of outdoor elements (including hot car deaths)?
Is there any mention of prenatal substance exposure (including fetal alcohol syndrome or neonatal abstinence syndrome)?
Is there any mention of sexual abuse?
Is there any specific mention of shaken baby or abusive head trauma?
Is there any mention of prolonged abuse or torture (including restraints, captivity)?
Is there any mention of an unsafe sleeping environment?
Individuals Involved
Was an adoptive parent or guardian involved in the death?
Was a biological father involved in the death?
The fatality report lists "Michael Bragg" (32 years old) as the child's "Father." He was a caregiver responsible for verified findings including "Death, Inadequate Supervision, Physical Injury, Substance Misuse - Alcohol, and Substance Misuse - Illicit Drugs." He was also charged with Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child on March 20, 2023.
Was a biological mother involved in the death?
Was a day care worker, babysitter, or nanny involved in the death?
Was a female paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., girlfriend, stepmother)?
The fatality report identifies Kemaris Washington (22 years old) as the child's "Stepmother." She was listed as a caregiver responsible for verified findings including "Death, Inadequate Supervision, Physical Injury, Substance Misuse - Alcohol, and Substance Misuse - Illicit Drugs." She was also charged with Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child during the week of March 27-31, 2023.
Was a foster parent involved in the death?
Was a male paramour or friend involved in the death (e.g., boyfriend, stepfather)?
Was another adult relative involved in the death? (e.g., grandfather, aunt)
Was a sibling involved in the death?
Child Characteristics
Was the child adopted?
Was the child homeschooled (including "cyberschooling") or taken out of school?
Was the child in foster care at the time of the incident?
Was the child living with relatives at the time of the incident (but not parents)?
Is there any mention of a neurological developmental child disability? (e.g., autism, intellectual disability, nonverbal)
Is there any mention of a physical child disability? (e.g., feeding tube)
Is there any mention of prematurity or low birthweight?
Is there a history of child protection reports prior to death (for this child or siblings)?
Does the child have a history of foster care (but not in care at time of incident)?
Is there a history of a sibling death (separate incident from this death)?
Parent/Caregiver Factors
Was an adult charged or arrested for the child's death?
The fatality report states: "On March 20, 2023, the father was charged with Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child. During the week of March 27 to March 31, 2023, charges were filed with the State Attorney's Office for the stepmother for Aggravated Manslaughter of a Child."
Is domestic violence by the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is there any mention that the death occurred in a temporary shelter or while homeless?
Is an intellectual disability of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is the mental health of the parent/caregiver referenced?
Is a history of arrests or criminal charges for the parent/caregiver referenced?
The news article states: "Due to Bragg already being out on bond for a fleeing and eluding criminal case in Orange County, he is held on no bond." This fleeing and eluding case predates the child's death and constitutes prior criminal history. Additionally, the charge of "Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon" implies the father had a prior felony conviction.
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
The fatality report states: "The stepmother consented to a drug screen and tested positive for THC and Alcohol." It also states "Law Enforcement found marijuana on scene that was packaged for sale." The verified findings include "Substance Misuse - Alcohol, and Substance Misuse - Illicit Drugs" for both the father and stepmother. Additionally, the father and stepmother each accused the other of drinking.
Notable Details
Several notable details emerge from the sources that were not covered by previous questions. The fatality report describes that on the way to the hospital with their fatally wounded child, "the father told the stepmother to stop at a liquor store so he could get a lighter to smoke a cigarette on their way to the hospital. They stopped for 3 minutes and 6 seconds." The caregivers also actively attempted to conceal evidence: "The caregivers attempted to hide the firearm after the fact. The 9mm was initially in the car but they took it inside and hid it in the suitcase as well." The 911 call lasted only 26 seconds before being disconnected. The stepmother had prior photos with the gun "dating back to at least January 2023," indicating prolonged awareness of firearm accessibility in the home. Additionally, marijuana "packaged for sale" was found at the scene, suggesting drug dealing activity in the home where the child lived.
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