Watch CBS News

Mother Charged In Death Of Frederick Toddler Who Shot Himself

Sheine Steine
Sheine Steine (credit: CBS)

GREELEY, Colo. (AP/CBS4) — The mother of a 3-year-old Frederick boy who accidentally shot himself in the head has been charged with criminally negligent child abuse resulting in death.

Dione Warren, who turned herself into authorities Monday night, appeared in court Tuesday with her attorney along with her husband Jeremy McCollum, where her bond was set at $75,000.

Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck said he took Warren's loss into account in weighing charges but said she was negligent for leaving her son alone at home where he could access a deadly weapon.

According to police and court records, Warren's son, Sheine Steine, shot himself in the head in October at their home in Frederick after finding a handgun between the mattress and frame of a bed. The gun belongs to Sheine's stepfather, who hasn't been charged.

Warren told police it's possible her son had watched McCollum put the gun in it's place.

Warren first told police she was home at the time in another room when she heard the gunshot, later she told police she was smoking inside her car in the driveway.

According to court documents, detectives interviewed warren's young daughter who says her mother left the toddler home by himself while she dropped the girl off at school.

The little girl also said, "actually my mom and dad didn't want me to tell you that."

Buck wouldn't discuss who stored the gun there and whether the stepfather could also be charged.

Warren faces four to twelve years in prison if convicted.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.