Father of toddler who fatally shot mom on Zoom call is arrested

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (TCD) -- Police arrested the 22-year-old father of a toddler who found a loaded handgun and fatally shot his mother during a Zoom call in August.

Veondre Avery was taken into custody Tuesday and charged with negligent manslaughter and failure to securely store a firearm, according to Seminole County Jail records.

According to The Associated Press, Shamaya Lynn’s 2-year-old son found a loaded gun on a "Paw Patrol" backpack on Aug. 11, 2021. The Altamonte Springs Police Department said in an Aug. 12 statement that one of the Zoom participants "saw a toddler in the background and heard a noise." Then, Lynn fell backwards. Altamonte Springs police said one of the Zoom call participants called 911 and alerted authorities that Lynn needed help. When officers and paramedics arrived, they found Lynn deceased with a gunshot wound to the head.

The Altamonte Springs police announced Tuesday that Avery owned the firearm and he was booked without incident.

The Associated Press reports Avery also called 911 when he came home and found Lynn with the gunshot wound. Avery reportedly said on the 911 call, "I literally just got home and I come in the room... (and) my girlfriend who was working on the computer, she’s just laid back and there’s blood everywhere."

Avery is being held in Seminole County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.

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