A dad has pleaded guilty to manslaughter after his four-year-old son shot himself in the head after finding a handgun in their car on the school run.
Terrance Allen, 49, faces going to prison for up to 11 years. Allen, who was found cradling his son Jamarcus by the side of the road by police officers in Akron, Ohio, U.S., also faces charges for not having a licence for the firearm.
No details of the shooting were revealed in court, but police said Jamarcus found a gun in the back seat of his father's car and accidentally shot himself, according to Ohio.com.
Relatives from both sides of the boy's family were in court for Allen's appearance. As part of his plea deal the court will hear impact statements from the family.
At the time of the shooting it was revealed that Jarmarcus had been told off by his mother only a week before, after being found playing with the gun, which was supposedly hidden in the bathroom wall.
Jamella Allen said she had ordered her husband to get rid of the pistol. Although the couple were going through a divorce, they still shared a house with Ms Allen's 18-year-old sons.
According to witnesses, after the shooting Allen pulled over and flagged down a police car. By the time the deputy arrived, Allen was cradling his son outside the car.
A single bullet hole was allegedly visible in the car's roof, and witnesses said they saw a pool of blood in the footwell.
Jamarcus was rushed to Akron Children's Hospital where he was declared dead.
As Summit County Judge Judy Hunter accepted the plea, the father broke down and had to be consoled by his lawyer.
Allen will remain in custody until his sentencing, which is due to take place on July 16.