Man pleads no contest to failing to store gun that killed grandson, 5
WHITE CLOUD, Mich. (AP) — A man blamed for the death of his 5-year-old grandson has pleaded no contest to violating Michigan's new gun storage law, one of the first significant convictions since the law kicked in earlier this year.
Karl Robart faces a minimum prison sentence somewhere in a range of 19 months to three years, according to a deal disclosed Monday in Newaygo County court. He'll return to court in western Michigan on Oct. 7.
Braxton Dykstra was shot and killed on April 1 when a 6-year-old cousin got access to a loaded, unlocked shotgun at Robart's home in Garfield Township, investigators said.
In Michigan, someone who pleads no contest doesn't admit to committing a crime. But it is treated as a conviction for sentencing purposes.
Robart said very little in court. A message seeking comment from his attorney wasn't immediately returned Tuesday. A similar case against Robart's wife still is pending.
Michigan's new gun storage law took effect in February. Firearms must be locked up when children are present. The consequences for a violation depend on the details of each incident and whether someone is wounded or killed.
Braxton's father, Domynic Dykstra, said the length of his father-in-law's prison sentence will be too short.
"They ruined my life. ... You know, my son's life was worth way more than that, and they are the reason why he's gone today," Dykstra told WZZM-TV.
At least 21 states have criminal laws related to failing to keep a gun away from children, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
Karl Robart faces a minimum prison sentence somewhere in a range of 19 months to three years, according to a deal disclosed Monday in Newaygo County court. He'll return to court in western Michigan on Oct. 7.
Braxton Dykstra was shot and killed on April 1 when a 6-year-old cousin got access to a loaded, unlocked shotgun at Robart's home in Garfield Township, investigators said.
In Michigan, someone who pleads no contest doesn't admit to committing a crime. But it is treated as a conviction for sentencing purposes.
Robart said very little in court. A message seeking comment from his attorney wasn't immediately returned Tuesday. A similar case against Robart's wife still is pending.
Michigan's new gun storage law took effect in February. Firearms must be locked up when children are present. The consequences for a violation depend on the details of each incident and whether someone is wounded or killed.
Braxton's father, Domynic Dykstra, said the length of his father-in-law's prison sentence will be too short.
"They ruined my life. ... You know, my son's life was worth way more than that, and they are the reason why he's gone today," Dykstra told WZZM-TV.
At least 21 states have criminal laws related to failing to keep a gun away from children, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.
Class of 2024 post-bar exam gathering hosted Aug. 28
Wayne State University Law School’s Class of 2024 graduates are invited to The Yard in Corktown for a post-bar exam social to reconnect and network. The gather will take place Wednesday, August 28, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at The Yard, 1375 Michigan Ave. in Detroit.
Class of 2024 Wayne Law alumni who register in advance will receive a drink ticket for a free beverage.?Additional beverages and food are available for purchase at the venue. Members of the Career and Professional Development Office will also be in attendance. Metered street parking is located around the venue.
To register, visit https://law.wayne.edu and scroll down to “events.” Anyone with question may contact Wendy Wippich at wendywippich@wayne.edu.
Class of 2024 Wayne Law alumni who register in advance will receive a drink ticket for a free beverage.?Additional beverages and food are available for purchase at the venue. Members of the Career and Professional Development Office will also be in attendance. Metered street parking is located around the venue.
To register, visit https://law.wayne.edu and scroll down to “events.” Anyone with question may contact Wendy Wippich at wendywippich@wayne.edu.
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