INDIANAPOLIS, IN – In a heart-wrenching turn of events, an Indianapolis mother has temporarily lost custody of her daughter following a tragic accident where her young son accidentally shot himself with her firearm. The courtroom was filled with emotion as the judge announced a no-contact order, compounding the mother’s sorrow.
Judge Angela Davis ruled that Chiera Bickett cannot have unsupervised visits with her nine-year-old daughter. This decision stems from a June 19 incident when Bickett’s two-year-old son, Javarius, discovered a gun in her purse and accidentally shot himself in a CVS parking lot.
Bickett now faces charges of neglect resulting in death, with her daughter poised to testify. During this difficult period, the girl will stay with her grandmother, Melissa Etheridge, who believes the charge is too severe for what she considers a tragic accident.
Despite these restrictions, Bickett is permitted to reside at her mother’s home, where she cares for her stepfather. However, she must ensure another adult is present during any interactions with her daughter.
The judge cautioned Bickett against discussing the case with her daughter in ways that might influence her testimony. Bickett plans to retain her own attorney soon as she prepares for the legal challenges ahead.
The court is set to review the no-contact order on September 22, with input from the Department of Child Services playing a crucial role in determining whether the restrictions will continue.
Bickett faces the possibility of a 20 to 40-year sentence if convicted, underscoring the serious legal implications of the case.