A tragic incident in Nebraska has led to the death of a 6-year-old girl, Alonni Barfield, who accidentally shot herself with an unsecured firearm in her mother’s bedroom. The mother, Yolonda Barfield, has been arrested and charged with child abuse by neglect and child abuse by intent in connection with her daughter’s death.
The incident occurred on December 15, 2024, when authorities responded to a reported shooting at the Barfield home in Omaha. Upon arrival, first responders found Alonni suffering from a gunshot wound. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but was later pronounced dead. After an investigation, it was determined that the firearm involved in the shooting was a gun that Barfield had acquired out of fear for her safety. She had reportedly purchased the weapon because of threats from her violent ex-boyfriend, who had a history of domestic violence against her.
Barfield allegedly failed to properly secure the firearm, which her children were aware of and knew where it was kept. According to the investigation, the children told authorities that the gun was always loaded, with one bullet in the chamber. Initially, Barfield kept the firearm hidden in a closet, but she later moved it to a location under her mattress, where Alonni found it and accidentally shot herself.
Three other children were present in the home at the time of the shooting, including Alonni’s 15-year-old brother, who found her on the floor and called 911. The gun was found on the bed near Alonni, and she was discovered bleeding from her nose, mouth, and arm.
Barfield’s defense attorney argued that her decision to keep the gun in the house was motivated by fear of her ex-boyfriend, whose violent behavior had escalated in the weeks leading up to the incident. The attorney claimed that Barfield had repeatedly reached out to law enforcement for help but received no support, leading her to feel the need to protect herself and her children. Barfield reportedly feared that if her ex-boyfriend broke into her home, she would not have time to retrieve the gun to defend herself.
In court, the prosecution emphasized the tragic consequences of Barfield’s alleged failure to secure the firearm, leading to the death of her young daughter. The defense, however, argued that Barfield had no prior criminal record and was not a danger to others. The judge set Barfield’s bond at $25,000, with the requirement that she post 10% to be released. She remained in detention at the Douglas County Jail as of the latest reports and is scheduled for a court appearance in February.
This incident has sparked discussions about gun safety, especially in households with children, and the responsibility of parents to secure firearms to prevent such tragedies. The case also highlights the challenges faced by individuals in abusive relationships and the difficult decisions they may make in an attempt to protect themselves and their families.
