News

Homeowner charged in shooting death of toddler

James Fuller "Bo" Stepp was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the accidental shooting death of a 2-year-old his wife was babysitting.

By Bill Moss, Published: October 26, 2015

CRAB CREEK — Henderson County sheriff's investigators have charged the homeowner with involuntary manslaughter in the accidental shooting that killed a 2-year-old girl Monday.

The Sheriff’s Office said after consulting with the district attorney deputies charged James Fuller "Bo" Stepp, 31, of 158 Golden Eagle Way, with the felony count. Stepp surrendered to authorities last night and was freed on a $5,000 secured bond. The investigation continues and further charges are possible, the sheriff's office said.

Stepp's wife, Heather, was at home with her own three children and 2-year-old Abagail Newman when a shotgun on a table went off, striking the toddler in the neck. She was transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville but died there, the sheriff's office said.

"A gun came out and it shot a little girl," Heather Stepp told an emergency dispatcher just after 9 a.m. Monday.

During a 911 call that lasted 10 minutes and 44 seconds, the woman says she is holding her hand on the child's wound and that the child is still breathing though not conscious.

Here are excerpts from the 911 call:

Caller: "A gun came out and it shot a little girl."

Dispatcher: "Tell me what's going on?"

Caller: "Somebody pointed a gun that was on the table and I didn't know it. The little girl was shot."

Dispatcher: "How old is she?"

"She’s 2."

Dispatcher: “And she got shot by what?”

“A shotgun.”

Dispatcher: “Where’d she get shot at?”

“In the neck.”

Dispatcher: “How did she get shot?”

“It was on the table and I didn’t know it.”

Dispatcher: "Is she awake?"

“No. ... Please hurry."

Dispatcher: "She's breathing?"

“She’s breathing. Not very good.”

Dispatcher: "Is the bleeding serious?"

“Yes.”

The dispatcher asks Stepp if she can hold Abagail's wrist to check her pulse.

“I can’t. I’m holding her where she’s bleeding.”

Dispatcher: “Do you have someone else there with you?”

“No, just my children.” They are ages 7, 3 and 4 months, she tells the dispatcher.

Dispatcher: "Do you think the 7-year-old can find a pulse on her wrist?"

The caller tells the dispatcher that the 20-gauge shotgun belonged to her husband.