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Columbus Toddler’s Fatal Shooting Leads to Charges as Community Grieves

City leaders call for stronger prevention measures following the child's death.

Overview

  • Police say 3-year-old Cartier Smith found a handgun in a Southeast Side apartment and fatally shot himself.
  • Mother Carley Dials, 29, is jailed on a first-degree involuntary manslaughter charge.
  • Prosecutors said Dials placed the gun between her mattress and the wall after finding it around 3 a.m.
  • Sean Perrin, 31, accused of bringing the gun, was arrested in the Hilltop and charged with having a weapon under disability.
  • Mayor Andrew Ginther and community advocates expressed grief and urged renewed focus on child and neighborhood safety.