A 21-year-old man in Indiana faces charges of reckless homicide after his wife died from a gunshot wound and their newborn baby was injured in what he initially described as an accident. Cameron E. Tomlinson claimed Jessica Tomlinson accidentally shot herself while handling a revolver, but later admitted he may have pulled the trigger. Authorities arrested him following interviews and evidence collection at their apartment.
On February 24, around 7 p.m., police in Kokomo, Indiana, responded to a shooting report at an apartment complex in the 400 block of West Lincoln Road. Cameron E. Tomlinson, 21, told dispatchers that his wife, Jessica M. Tomlinson, also 21, had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
First responders found Jessica on the floor with an upper torso injury, holding their one-month-old infant, who had a gunshot wound to the hand causing significant trauma. Medics tried to save Jessica, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The baby was first taken to Community Howard Regional Health Hospital and then to Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis for specialized care.
Tomlinson initially said Jessica was handling a firearm and accidentally shot herself while holding the baby. Court documents detail that the couple was preparing for a night out when Jessica reportedly insisted he carry a revolver because it "went well with his outfit." She allegedly retrieved the gun from a safe while holding the infant, with the hammer cocked and gripping it by the barrel as she tried to open the cylinder.
Under questioning, Tomlinson changed his account, stating he grabbed the revolver because he "didn't like" how she held it and tried to pull it away. The gun discharged, and he said, "to sum it up, that means I shot her," unsure if he pulled the trigger but acknowledging his role.
After gathering evidence and speaking with Tomlinson, neighbors, and family, police arrested him. He faces one count of reckless homicide and two counts of criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon. Tomlinson is held in Howard County Jail on a $15,000 cash-only bond, with orders barring contact with the baby. His pretrial conference is set for May 20.