Snohomish County, WA – A Washington man is facing 14 felony charges after his 4-year-old son accidentally shot his mother, leading authorities to uncover a massive cache of weapons, explosives, and alleged plans for mass violence inside the family’s home.
Shooting Incident Sparks Investigation
Authorities say David James Neff, 44, was asleep with a loaded gun holstered at his waist on July 15 when his young son grabbed the firearm and pulled the trigger, striking his mother, 41-year-old Sandi Weaver, in the arm.
Deputies arriving at the home found Weaver bleeding from a non-life-threatening injury. The 4-year-old had a minor facial injury, likely from the gun’s recoil, and a 9-year-old sibling was also present. Both children were later placed with relatives.
Discovery of Massive Arsenal
According to Snohomish County prosecutors, a search of Neff’s home revealed:
- 73 firearms, including short-barrel rifles, “AR-style rifles,” and pistols
- 10 homemade explosive devices containing gunpowder, wiring, nails, and shrapnel materials
- A bump stock and ammunition-making supplies
- Suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia
Police say Neff, who worked at West Coast Armory, claimed to have only 13 registered firearms locked in a safe, but 60 unregistered, unsecured guns were found throughout the home.
Bomb Squad Called to the Scene
The Washington State Patrol bomb squad safely removed the explosives, which prosecutors say were made with “intent to kill and injure others.” Neff reportedly had no license to possess, manufacture, or store explosives.
Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney Kristina Beske-Keplinger said the magnitude of the threat was not fully known until the search was completed, adding:
“An individual who works at an armory would be expected to appreciate the need for firearm safety. Instead, he added bombs to an unsafe situation.”
Bail Increased, Trial Pending
Citing the extreme risk, a judge doubled Neff’s bail to $1 million. He has pleaded not guilty to charges including:
- Unsafe storage of a firearm in the first degree
- Unlicensed possession of explosives
- Two counts of possession of an unlawful firearm
- Two counts of reckless endangerment
- Eight counts of possession of an explosive device
Neff remains in custody and is set to go to trial on September 26.
What do you think should be done in cases where unsecured firearms put children and communities at risk? Share your views in the comments.
