In a shocking incident in Wisconsin, a 26-year-old mother, Daquela C., and a 21-year-old man, Quintell C., face serious charges after a 6-year-old boy, Da’quel C., died earlier this month, just days before his birthday, as a result of what authorities describe as severe neglect and reckless behavior within his own family.
Around 9:30 p.m., Da’quel’s grandmother called 911, expressing concern that her grandson had accidentally shot himself. According to the criminal complaint, she claimed to have heard a bang and later discovered Da’quel in the living room, lying in a pool of blood with a revolver near his feet. Paramedics confirmed him dead on the scene, bringing a gloomy conclusion to what was initially described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
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In the immediate aftermath, authorities launched a complete investigation, including a review of neighborhood camera footage. The footage shows two people, the victim’s uncle Quintell and another man, frantically hiding an object behind a garbage can shortly after the gunshot was heard. The object was eventually identified as a 9mm handgun with an extended magazine, which authorities suspect was used in the shooting.
Daquela, the victim’s mother and Quintell’s sister, was detained with her brother in connection with the unfortunate event. The investigation revealed that Daquela had left her son with her brother and mother while she went out. She admitted to buying a 9mm handgun recently, citing safety concerns stemming from her brother’s association with hazardous individuals. Daquela said authorities that her brother “was into it with people,” and she felt compelled to purchase the pistol. Disturbingly, earlier on the day of the incident, Quintell texted Daquela a video of himself brandishing two firearms, with Da’quel seen in the background.
Despite her understanding of her children’s precarious situation, Daquela failed to act quickly. She also received a letter from her three-year-old daughter showing exposure to firearms, highlighting a consistent lack of supervision and safety for her children. This careless lapse resulted in her son’s tragic death, for which she and her brother are currently facing significant charges. According to authorities, the kid took the gun and mistakenly discharged it, causing fatal injuries to himself.
Quintell faces accusations including second-degree reckless homicide, felon in possession of a handgun, and escape from police, among others. His irresponsible conduct during and after the event, including a high-speed chase in which he tossed money out of his car window, demonstrated his contempt for public safety and the law. Daquela is accused of straw purchasing a firearm, meaning that she acquired the pistol for her brother, a convicted felon. In addition, both siblings are accused of neglecting a kid, which results in death. They remain detained, with bail set at $10,000 for Daquela and $100,300 for Quintell, and a court date set for April 15.
The local community and Da’quel’s family are left to mourn the loss of a young life that, according to his obituary, was filled with love, joy, and the promise of a bright future. The case has highlighted not just the catastrophic effects of domestic neglect and illegal firearm possession, but also the larger issues of gun safety and kid protection in the community. As the judicial proceedings continue, there is a strong need for justice for Da’quel, as well as a reevaluation of community and familial responsibility in preventing such unnecessary tragedies from happening again. The loss of Da’quel serves as a sharp reminder of the crucial need for awareness and early involvement in protecting vulnerable lives.
