by Orlando, Florida – A Florida couple has been arrested after their 4-year-old twin sons were shot with a handgun they allegedly found under a couch cushion in their home, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Parents Accused After Twins Accidentally Shot
Deputies responded to a distress call around early morning on Saturday, Nov. 8, after reports that two four-year-old boys had suffered gunshot wounds. The children’s mother, 39-year-old Keishara B. Goodrum, told investigators she heard a loud “pop” while making breakfast and discovered one of her sons bleeding from an injury near his arm.
Goodrum allegedly admitted she had been drinking the night before and told police she may have forgotten to secure her gun, possibly leaving it underneath a couch cushion, where her children could reach it.
Meanwhile, the children’s father, 40-year-old Maurice Wayne Bright Jr., said he was outside cooking when he heard a “commotion” inside and rushed to find the aftermath of the shooting.
Children in Critical but Stable Condition
The parents reportedly drove both boys to a local hospital, during which they realized the second child had also been shot. The twins were later transferred to Arnold Palmer Hospital in Orlando, where officials said they remain in critical but stable condition and are recovering.
“Both children are receiving care and are expected to recover,” said a spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Police confirmed that three other children were inside the home at the time of the shooting.
Arrests and Charges
Following an investigation, both parents were arrested on Nov. 9 and booked into the Orange County Jail.
- Keishara Goodrum, 39, faces two counts of child neglect with great bodily harm.
- Maurice Bright Jr., 40, faces one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
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Both are being held on $10,000 bond, according to jail records.
Authorities stated that the Florida Department of Children and Families is now involved in the case and helping to oversee the children’s welfare. Bright may still be eligible to retain custody of the remaining children if he posts bond, deputies said.
Florida Gun Safety Laws
Under Florida state law, parents or guardians with children under the age of 16 in the home must keep firearms secured in a locked container or with a trigger lock to prevent unauthorized access.
“If a minor gains access to an unsecured firearm and the weapon is discharged, the owner may face criminal charges,” the Florida Sheriffs Association explained in a 2024 blog post, emphasizing the state’s responsible gun ownership requirements.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials are continuing to investigate how the gun was stored and whether negligence played a direct role in the shooting. Both parents are expected to appear in court later this month.
The tragic accident highlights growing concerns about gun safety and child access prevention laws in Florida, as authorities remind gun owners to store weapons securely at all times.
For more community safety updates and case developments, visit mikeandjonpodcast.com.
