On February 22, 2023, 6-year-old Davonta "DJ" Michel Jr. was fatally shot at a residence in the 2000 block of Louisiana Hwy. 182 in Raceland, Louisiana. His father, Davonta Michel, 24, was not home at the time, and the children were in the care of their grandparents. DJ and his brother found a loaded handgun in their father's bedroom and began playing with it, at which point the gun discharged, striking DJ. He was transported by ambulance but died at a hospital. The father was subsequently booked with negligent homicide for failing to secure the loaded handgun, with bond set at $200,000.
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 FOIA document lists the cause of death as "Gunshot wound." The news article states that the children "had found a loaded handgun in their father's bedroom and began playing with it. At some point, the gun discharged, striking the 6-year-old."
Is there any mention of inappropriate supervision (e.g., child wandered off and drowned)?
The news article states that "Michel was not home and his sons were in the care of their grandparents on Feb. 22" when the children "found a loaded handgun in their father's bedroom and began playing with it." The children were able to access and play with a loaded firearm while under grandparent supervision, and the father was charged with negligent homicide for "not securing the loaded handgun in his house." This collectively suggests inadequate supervision of the children.
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 news article identifies the father as "Davonta Michel, 24" and the victim as his "6-year-old son," named "Davonta 'DJ' Michel Jr." The father was "booked with negligent homicide for not securing the loaded handgun in his house." The Jr. suffix and the explicit father-son relationship confirm biological paternity. His failure to secure the firearm was the basis for the criminal charge related to the death.
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)?
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)
The news article states that "Michel was not home and his sons were in the care of their grandparents on Feb. 22" when the fatal shooting occurred. The grandparents were the responsible supervising adults at the time the children accessed the unsecured firearm, making them involved in the circumstances of the death.
Was a sibling involved in the death?
The news article states that "6-year-old Davonta 'DJ' Michel Jr. and his brother -- whose age has not been disclosed -- had found a loaded handgun in their father's bedroom and began playing with it. At some point, the gun discharged, striking the 6-year-old." The brother was directly involved in finding and playing with the firearm that killed DJ.
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 news article states that "Davonta Michel, 24, could face up to five years in state prison if charged and convicted of negligent homicide." It further reports that "Michel turned himself in Monday after the arrest warrant was obtained. He was booked into the Lafourche Parish Correctional Complex in Thibodaux and his bond was set at $200,000."
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?
Is substance use by the parent/caregiver referenced?
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