Heartbreaking Twist: Father Indicted After Toddler...

Heartbreaking Twist: Father Indicted After Toddler Son D-ies in Devastating G-un Tragedy

EASTLAKE, Ohio (WOIO) – A father has been indicted in connection to the death of his 3-year-old son who accidentally shot and killed himself in May.

According to court records, the father, Paul Bradley, 25, was indicted by a Lake County Grand Jury on six counts, including two counts of involuntary manslaughter, child endangering, reckless homicide, and possessing weapons while under a disability.

Paul Bradley
Paul Bradley(Source: Lake County Jail)

Court documents filed on July 20 say that Bradley recklessly created a substantial risk to the health and safety of the child on May 15, 2026, ultimately leading to the toddler’s death.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified the child as Paul Bradley III back in May.

According to Eastlake Police, officers responded at approximately 7:18 p.m. on May 15, 2026 to the Willowood Apartment Complex in Eastlake on Vine Street.

3-year-old shot
3-year-old shot(WOIO)

The young child underwent emergency surgery, stabilized, and was flown to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland but later tragically died from his injuries.

19 News spoke to many neighbors back in May, such as Liddy Pridemore who wanted to know what led to the shooting.

“We don’t even know why they were shot. Was it an accident, who knows?” Pridemore said. “No one seems to know exactly why it happened.”

Pridemore had a message for parents.

“I would say keep your kids close to you,” Pridemore said.

This incident is now being investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and is still under investigation by the Eastlake Police Department.

The Eastlake Police Department extended its deepest condolences to the family during this extremely difficult time, saying its thoughts an prayers remain with them.

Related Articles