On Monday a Halifax County man was charged with the accidental death of his three-year-old nephew. Ja’Kye Dabbs was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 60 days in prison.

He was also charged with leaving a loaded, unsecured firearm in a manner that endangered the child. Dabbs will also be under two years of probation after his release.

The accidental death occurred on July 5, 2021 when the boy found the gun and accidentally shot himself while playing with it. The child’s mother and grandmother testified to the close relationship Dabbs had with his nephew and that he was the only male role model in his life. They expressed a desire to be together as a way to move forward and heal.