Father charged in connection with accidental shooting death of young son

Prosecutors say Lascelle Lee left loaded gun in reach of boy, 6, who shot himself in face at Montgomery Village townhome

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April 9, 2026 11:20 a.m.

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A Prince George’s County man is facing charges in connection with the accidental shooting death of his 6-year-old son at a Montgomery Village townhome earlier this year. 

Lascelle Lee, 32, of Upper Marlboro is charged with involuntary manslaughter, neglect of a minor, reckless endangerment, and allowing a minor’s access to a loaded firearm, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office said in a Thursday press release.  

The accidental shooting took place the afternoon of Feb. 17 at the residence in the 10100 block of Maple Leaf Drive. Montgomery County police and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) crews responded to the scene after an adult in the home called 9–1–1 to report the shooting. It is not clear whether Lee was the caller. 

 
The victim in the shooting was identified as Lascelle Lee IV, who accidentally shot himself in the face with a handgun. MCFRS crews “provided lifesaving efforts, but he was pronounced dead at the scene,” according to police. 

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The elder Lee is alleged to have left a loaded and unsecured firearm where he knew his 6-year-old son would be able to access it, according to the press release. A preliminary investigation by police found the gun used in the shooting was legally registered. 

Online court records show Lee was arrested Wednesday and released on his own recognizance the same day. No attorney was listed for him as of Thursday morning. A scheduling hearing is set for April 24 to select trial dates. 

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine