Show summary Hide summary
A Kansas couple has been indicted on felony charges after a young child apparently found an unsecured shotgun that fatally wounded two siblings, authorities said. The case — tied to an incident at a Brookville home on March 28 — has prompted prosecutors to accuse the parents of reckless endangerment.
Ellsworth County authorities identified the defendants as 37‑year‑old Aaron French and 28‑year‑old Makayla French. They face four counts of aggravated child endangerment in connection with the deaths of siblings Paxton and Lilly French, ages 8 and 5.
What investigators say happened
Kara Swisher reshaped Silicon Valley: now positioning herself to influence the 2028 campaign
Cyclospora infection: woman recounts brutal symptoms and long recovery
According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, a young child accessed a **loaded shotgun** that was not properly secured inside the family home in Brookville, about 100 miles northwest of Wichita. The firearm was fired, killing Lilly at the scene; Paxton was flown to a hospital and later died on April 3.
Officials have not released details about how the child located the weapon or how many rounds were fired. The criminal complaint alleges the parents “recklessly” put their children in harm’s way.
- March 28 — Incident at family residence in Brookville.
- Same day — Lilly, 5, pronounced dead at the scene.
- April 3 — Paxton, 8, died after being airlifted to a hospital.
- Charges filed — Ellsworth County prosecutors filed four felony counts of aggravated child endangerment.
- Court date — The parents are scheduled to appear in court on July 28.
Family remembers the children
Obituaries for the siblings paint a picture of typical childhood interests. Paxton is remembered for enjoying outdoor vehicles and video games, and for caring for a pet hamster. Lilly’s obituary highlights her love of singing, outdoor play, animals and favorite clothes.
These personal remembrances accompanied official reports, contrasting private grief with the public legal process now underway.
Why this matters now
The charges bring attention to the legal responsibilities that accompany firearm ownership, particularly where children live in the same household. Prosecutors’ use of the term aggravated child endangerment signals they view the storage and accessibility of the weapon as central to the case.
Beyond immediate courtroom consequences, the case may factor into ongoing local conversations about firearm safety practices and criminal liability when unsecured guns are involved in child deaths.
Authorities say the investigation remains active; further details may be disclosed as the prosecution prepares for the upcoming hearing.
