Aunt charged with manslaughter in boy's shooting death released on bond

The woman charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of her 6-year-old nephew was released on $10,000 bond about 2 p.m. Thursday, according to the Pulaski County jail.

Appearing by video from the jail for a first appearance in Little Rock District Court earlier Thursday, Kenya Brevard, 38, stood by as her courtroom representative pleaded innocent on her behalf.

Brevard's nephew, who has not been identified, died at Arkansas Children's Hospital after being shot in the face Wednesday, police said. Authorities have not detailed exactly how the shooting played out, but Little Rock Police Department spokesman Lt. Steve McClanahan said Wednesday it "does appear to be accidental in nature."

According to a police report, Brevard drove her nephew and a 13-year-old girl to a house in the 3400 block of Lamar Street around 4 p.m. Wednesday. Police said the nephew told Brevard he would stay in the car while Brevard and the girl went inside.

The teen told investigators she was in the backyard feeding the dog when she heard her mother scream and cry. When she went to the front of the house, Brevard was standing over the 6-year-old, according to the police report.

Police said they found a handgun on the ground near the rear passenger door of the vehicle.

Rhonda Burks, who identified herself as a cousin of the family outside of court Thursday, said Brevard "loved her nephews," and that the shooting was an accident.

Burks said the gun did not belong to Brevard, and that she did not know it was in her vehicle.

In court, attorneys said Brevard had a criminal charge for forgery in 1996, though it wasn't clear if she was convicted. Brevard was also charged Thursday with illegal possession of a firearm by a felon, according to jail records.

Burks was with several other family members meeting with a bail bondsman outside of court, and Burks said they were going to pick up Brevard later Thursday.

"It's sad right now, it's a sad situation, it was an accident," Burks said.

Brevard is next due in court Jan. 19.