CLEVELAND, OH — Mother of 2-Year-Old Boy Shot in May Now Facing Criminal Charges
A Cleveland mother is facing criminal charges following a tragic shooting incident that left her two-year-old son critically injured. Teasia Leonard, the child’s mother, was formally arraigned on Thursday, in connection with the May 31 shooting that occurred inside their home on Nottingham Road.
Authorities say the toddler sustained a gunshot wound in what police initially described as a deeply troubling and preventable incident. Following weeks of investigation, law enforcement officials have now determined that Leonard bears responsibility for the circumstances that led to her child’s injury. She is being charged with child endangering, tampering with evidence, and obstructing official business, among other potential counts still under review.
A Tragic Scene Unfolds
Emergency responders were dispatched to the Nottingham Road residence around 9:30 p.m. on May 31, after receiving frantic 911 calls reporting that a young child had been shot. On arrival, officers found the two-year-old suffering from a single gunshot wound. The child was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. He has since undergone multiple surgeries and remains under medical care, though his long-term prognosis has not been disclosed.
Investigators say that the gun was found unsecured within the home, and early findings suggest that the child may have either discovered the firearm or been in close proximity when it was discharged. While initial statements from Leonard suggested the incident was accidental, inconsistencies in her account, coupled with evidence recovered at the scene, raised serious concerns among investigators.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
At her arraignment Thursday morning, Leonard appeared before a Cleveland Municipal Court judge and was informed of the formal charges against her. Prosecutors allege that Leonard failed to properly secure a firearm in a household with young children, a violation that ultimately endangered her son’s life. Additionally, officials accuse her of attempting to hide the weapon following the incident and misleading police during the initial stages of the investigation.
Leonard’s bond was set at $100,000, and she has been ordered to have no contact with the child while the case is pending. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for next week.
Community Reaction and Child Welfare Response
The case has sent shockwaves throughout the community, with neighbors expressing both sorrow for the child and anger over what they view as an entirely avoidable tragedy.
“It’s heartbreaking. That baby didn’t deserve this,” said one neighbor who lives on the same street. “We all have kids here. To think something like that happened just a few doors down—it’s terrifying.”
Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services has since intervened in the case and confirmed that the child, along with any other minors who may have been present in the home, has been placed under protective supervision.
Gun Safety in the Spotlight
The case has reignited discussions around gun safety and storage, particularly in homes with children. In Ohio, while it is not explicitly illegal to keep a firearm unsecured in the home, gun owners can be held criminally liable if their negligence leads to injury or death—especially involving minors.
Local advocacy groups have called on lawmakers to strengthen child access prevention laws and increase public awareness campaigns around safe firearm storage.
“This is a stark reminder that every gun owner has a responsibility,” said Tamara Wells of the Cleveland-based nonprofit Moms for Safe Homes. “A split-second decision to leave a gun out can result in irreversible harm. We need laws and education to prevent tragedies like this.”
Ongoing Investigation
Police and prosecutors have indicated that the investigation is still active and additional charges may be filed as more information becomes available. Forensic analysis and interviews with other individuals present at the scene are continuing.
“We are committed to getting justice for this child,” said a spokesperson for the Cleveland Police Department. “This was not just an accident. It was a series of failures that led to a child being shot. Someone has to be held accountable.”
A Wake-Up Call
As the toddler continues to fight for recovery in a Cleveland hospital, his case serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of firearms in unsecured environments. The legal system will now determine the extent of Leonard’s responsibility, but for many in the Cleveland community, the damage has already been done.
The story continues to unfold as court proceedings move forward and investigators seek to piece together the full picture of what happened that night in the Nottingham Road home.