Wadena, MN – A Minnesota couple is facing gross misdemeanor charges after their 8-year-old son was fatally shot in the neck by one of the 34 unsecured firearms kept inside their home. Prosecutors allege that the parents, Theodore and Danielle Stewart, failed to properly store dozens of weapons, leaving them accessible to their five children.
The Incident: Fatal Shooting Inside the Family Home
According to a probable cause statement obtained by the Wadena Pioneer Journal, the tragic incident occurred on September 4 at the Stewarts’ home. 8-year-old McGregor Stewart was struck in the neck after one of his older brothers accidentally discharged a .22-caliber rifle that had been left loaded on a bed.
The sibling told police that he had picked up the weapon and placed it on the bed, unaware that it was loaded. When the rifle fired, the bullet struck McGregor, causing a fatal injury.
Emergency responders were called immediately, and McGregor was rushed to the hospital with his mother, Danielle Stewart, who was outside the home when the shooting occurred. Despite medical efforts, the young boy was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Investigation and Evidence: 34 Firearms Found in the Home
When police conducted a search of the residence, they discovered a total of 34 firearms, only one of which was secured, according to investigators. Officers noted that the weapons were found in several locations across the home and were “easily accessible to the children.”
A Minnesota Star Tribune report revealed that 14 guns were found in the parents’ bedroom—many of them loaded—while 13 more were found in a nearby closet. Another seven firearms were located near the front door.
“All but one firearm was unsecured and in areas of the home easily accessible to the children,” police said in the report.
At the time of the shooting, Theodore Stewart was at work, while Danielle Stewart was outside the house. Investigators found no evidence of a firearm safe or locking devices that would have prevented access to the weapons.
Court Proceedings and Charges Filed
Both parents were charged on September 30 via summons and were not taken into custody. They face gross misdemeanor counts of negligent storage of firearms, which prosecutors say contributed directly to the fatal shooting.
The Stewarts are scheduled to appear in court on November 3, where they will answer to the charges. If convicted, they could face up to one year in jail and fines under Minnesota’s firearm safety laws.
Following the incident, the couple’s four surviving children, ages 10 to 14, were initially placed in protective custody but were later returned to their parents after a review by child protection services.
Statements and Public Reaction
Local officials have called the case a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of unsecured weapons in homes with children. Wadena County authorities emphasized that the tragedy could have been avoided if the firearms had been properly locked or stored.
Gun safety advocates have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safe-storage laws, which require gun owners to secure firearms in homes where minors are present.
Neighbors described the Stewarts as a “quiet, outdoorsy family,” but expressed shock at the number of guns found in the home.
“No one imagined they had that many firearms,” one neighbor said. “It’s unimaginable that this could happen in our community.”
Background and Legal Context
Minnesota law requires gun owners to securely store firearms to prevent access by minors. Violating these laws can result in criminal penalties if negligence leads to injury or death.
Similar cases across the U.S. have prompted lawmakers and law enforcement to emphasize responsible gun ownership, especially in households with children. Experts say that gun locks, safes, and education programs could help prevent avoidable tragedies like this one.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
As the case moves forward, prosecutors are expected to present evidence showing that the Stewarts’ failure to secure firearms created a dangerous environment that directly led to McGregor’s death. The court’s decision in November will determine whether the parents face further penalties or mandatory firearm safety interventions.
Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn the loss of 8-year-old McGregor Stewart, described by neighbors as a kind and energetic child who loved the outdoors.
Conclusion
The death of McGregor Stewart serves as a tragic reminder of how unsecured firearms can lead to fatal consequences within seconds. Authorities continue to urge all gun owners to store their weapons safely, especially in homes where children are present, to prevent future tragedies.
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