Michael Tejeda, 26, was sentenced Friday to 19 years and nine months in prison for the death of his 1-year-old daughter, who was shot by her 3-year-old sister after he left a handgun within reach.
Tejeda pleaded guilty in May to second-degree murder, criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and two counts of aggravated child endangerment. Prosecutors dropped a first-degree murder charge as part of the plea deal.
The shooting took place on Feb. 28, 2025, at the family home on South Santa Fe Street in Wichita. Tejeda told police he had fallen asleep while watching the children and placed the gun on a fireplace mantel about four feet high.
He called 911 after the incident and later told investigators he knew he should have stored the weapon elsewhere. The 3-year-old had previously shown curiosity about the gun.
Tejeda will also serve 36 months of post-release supervision following his prison term.