GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) – Police say the man charged in connection with a deadly shooting where a 3-year-old shot and killed a 5-year-old and on Saturday, went before a judge on Christmas Eve.

Adam Laham, 23, is facing charges of child abuse resulting in death and criminal negligence. He’s being held at Jefferson County Jail.

The shooting happened Friday morning near Colfax and Iris in Lakewood. Investigators say it was just a terrible accident.

Adam Dean Laham (credit: Jefferson County Sheriff's Department)

The judge came to the Jefferson County Justice Center in Golden on Christmas Eve specifically for Laham’s hearing.

The shooting happened just before 10 a.m. and police arrive immediately. Neighbors told CBS4 that for most of the day investigators thought it was a self-inflicted gun wound that killed the 5-year-old.

It’s still not clear how the 3-year-old got a hold of a gun. Police said there were multiple adults inside the unit at the time of the shooting.

Because it is an active investigation, police have not released Laham’s arrest affidavit.

Laham will have another formal hearing on Dec. 30.