In a tragic incident in Covington, Kentucky, 23-year-old Selena Farrell and 21-year-old Tashaun Adams have been arrested and charged following a shooting that resulted in the death of their toddler son.
Farrell and Adams are charged with second-degree manslaughter after their two-year-old son, Khalil Adams, was fatally shot by his three-year-old brother. The incident took place on January 22, 2024, around 12:44 p.m. at their apartment on Warren Street, close to Holmes High School.
During a press conference, Kenton County prosecutor Rob Sanders outlined the sequence of events leading to the tragedy. Authorities were called to the scene after receiving reports of a shooting.
The toddler was discovered with a gunshot wound and rushed to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Despite the medical team’s efforts, the child was pronounced dead and later identified by the Hamilton County Coroner’s Office.
Police reports indicate that the firearm, with a loaded round in the chamber, had been kept in a dresser drawer in the living room, within easy access of the children. Sanders stated, “The shooting death resulted from the two adults irresponsibly leaving a loaded gun around a three-year-old they failed to supervise.”
The prosecutor stressed during the press conference that the central issue was not about the law but about responsible parenting. He added that the charges against Farrell and Adams are considerable, as second-degree manslaughter charges are seldom applied in such cases in Kentucky. This charge is defined as recklessly causing the death of another individual.
Farrell, who was already wanted on an outstanding warrant and on probation, fled the scene before the arrival of the police. She was later found on January 25, 2024, hiding in a hotel room in Boone County along with Adams and a third person, 20-year-old Jeremiah Thomas.
Farrell faces charges of second-degree manslaughter, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and abandonment. These charges are in addition to an initial charge of probation violation. Farrell, recognized as the firearm’s owner, reportedly acquired it before her felony conviction and claimed it was kept for protection. She told police that she left the scene to avoid missing her son’s funeral, even though Khalil was still alive at that time.
Tashaun Adams, the child’s father, is also charged with second-degree manslaughter and hindering apprehension. According to Kenton County jail records, he is detained at the Boone County Detention Center. Adams’ hindering apprehension charge is connected to his role in helping Farrell evade police after the incident.
Jeremiah Thomas, who was present during the shooting and fled before the police’s arrival, has also been charged with hindering apprehension. During a court appearance, Farrell pleaded not guilty to the charges. Adams has yet to enter a plea.
The case will be presented to a grand jury, which may consider different charges before it proceeds to circuit court.