Mykael L. Robertson, 29, of Gary, is facing multiple felony neglect charges after authorities allege his unsecured firearms were accessible to children, leading to the death of his 10-year-old daughter in an apparent self-inflicted shooting.

According to the probable cause affidavit, officers with the Gary Police Department and members of the Lake County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force responded July 15 to a home in the 4200 block of Maryland Street after receiving a report of a child who had been shot. When officers arrived, medics were performing CPR on 10-year-old Malaysia Robertson, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

A forensic pathologist determined the gunshot wound was self-inflicted and found no other signs of trauma, according to investigators.

Investigators said they found Malaysia lying between a bed and a dresser in a bedroom. A Springfield XD handgun was recovered at her feet with the slide locked to the rear in what detectives described as a “stove-piped” condition, meaning a spent casing had become lodged in the slide. Detectives stated that, based on their training and experience, this type of malfunction is often encountered when a young child fires a handgun because of an improper grip.

During the execution of a search warrant, investigators also recovered a second firearm, a Taurus .380 handgun, from an open dresser drawer directly above where the child was found. The handgun was not secured, and its magazine was lying immediately next to it. Investigators also reported finding no gun safes, trigger locks or other apparent methods used to secure firearms inside the residence. A live round of ammunition was also recovered from a garbage can.

Two other children, ages 6 and 7, were also inside the home at the time of the shooting.

According to court documents, Robertson agreed to speak with investigators after being advised of his constitutional rights. He told detectives he had been sleeping in his bedroom with Malaysia before waking up to walk the family dog and call his girlfriend. When he returned, he noticed she was no longer in bed, began calling her name and then found her on the bedroom floor. Robertson said he initially believed she had fallen and did not immediately notice a firearm before beginning chest compressions.

Robertson told investigators he kept a Springfield XD handgun and a Taurus .380 handgun in the top dresser drawer of his bedroom. He said he was unsure whether the firearms were loaded but believed he normally kept them unloaded. He also told detectives his daughter had autism, that he did not believe she knew where the firearms were kept and assumed she did not know how to operate one.

The children’s mother told investigators Robertson had been caring for the children after recently losing his job. She said the two younger children told her they had been asleep and only heard a loud “boom.” She also told detectives she did not believe Robertson would intentionally harm any of the children.

“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that has claimed the life of a young child,” said Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon Sr. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the victim’s family and everyone affected by this unimaginable loss.”

Charges Filed July 16, 2026:

Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Catastrophic Injury — Level 1 Felony

Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury — Level 3 Felony

Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Bodily Injury — Level 5 Felony

Neglect of a Dependent — Level 6 Felony (3 counts)