NEWAYGO, Mich. — Charges have been filed against the grandparents of Braxton Dykstra, the 5-year-old who was accidentally shot and killed in Newaygo County, according to Braxton's father.
The Newaygo County Prosecuting Attorney's Office says Karl and Theresa Robart each are charged with one count of firearms safe storage violation — with minor present and inflicted death to another — under Michigan's new safe storage law.
The Robarts, from Garfield Township, were both arraigned in court Thursday.
"The safe storage law is why the grandma and grandfather got arrested [Thursday]," Domynic Dykstra, Braxton's father, told FOX 17.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed several gun reform bills into law back in February, including safe storage requirements.
“Requires individuals to keep unattended weapons unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is reasonably known that a minor is likely to be present on the premises.”
READ MORE: What you need to know about Michigan’s new gun laws
A 6-year-old relative of Braxton fired the shot that killed him at the beginning of April, according to Michigan State Police.
"This is only 75% justice. It's not over. We're still trying to get the mother of the child who killed my son in prison as well," Braxton's dad said. "You are responsible for your child until they're 18 — civilly and criminally."
Domynic Dykstra told FOX 17 previously that his son’s death was preventable, and he wants justice.
“They need to be put up, locked up, our of reach of children,” he added. “A child should never be able to look at the gun.”
READ MORE: Family of Newaygo boy killed pushes for gun safety
Both Karl and Theresa's probable cause conferences are set for May 16 and their preliminary examinations are scheduled for May 23.
If convicted, each faces up to 15 years behind bars and/or a $10,000 fine.
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