by Orange County, FL: — A pair of Florida parents have been taken into custody after their 4-year-old twin sons were critically injured when they allegedly discovered and fired a loaded handgun hidden beneath a couch cushion inside their home. Authorities say both children remain in critical but stable condition as investigators continue to piece together what happened.
Early Morning Tragedy
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), deputies responded to a call during the early morning hours of Saturday, November 8, 2025, following reports of two young children suffering from gunshot wounds.
The children’s mother, identified as Keishara B. Goodrum, 39, reportedly told officers that she heard what she believed to be a gunshot while she was making breakfast in the kitchen. Upon rushing to investigate, she discovered one of her sons bleeding from a gunshot wound to his arm, according to an arrest affidavit.
Goodrum allegedly admitted that she had been drinking the night before and may have forgotten to properly secure her firearm, leaving it under the couch cushion. The loaded handgun, authorities believe, was accessed by the twins, resulting in the accidental discharge.
Father Rushed Inside After Hearing Commotion
The children’s father, Maurice Wayne Bright Jr., 40, told investigators that he was outside cooking when he heard a commotion inside the house. He ran indoors to find chaos — both children injured.
In a state of panic, Goodrum and Bright placed the twins in their vehicle and drove them to a nearby hospital. While en route, the parents realized that both boys had sustained gunshot wounds.
The twins were transferred to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, where doctors confirmed they were in critical condition but stable and recovering.
Multiple Children Present in the Home
Authorities confirmed that three other children were also inside the residence at the time of the shooting. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has since become involved in the ongoing investigation and is overseeing the care and safety of the remaining minors.
According to officials, Bright may retain custody of the children if he posts bond following his arrest, though final custody determinations will depend on the outcome of the investigation and DCF assessments.
Parents Face Multiple Charges
Following the incident, both parents were arrested on November 9 and booked into the Orange County Jail, per jail records reviewed by PEOPLE.
- Keishara B. Goodrum (39) faces two counts of child neglect with great bodily harm.
- Maurice Wayne Bright Jr. (40) has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Both remain held on $10,000 bond each.
Florida Gun Safety Laws for Parents
Under Florida state law, parents and guardians who have children under 16 living in their home are legally required to secure firearms in a locked container or with a trigger lock to prevent unauthorized access.
The Florida Sheriffs Association emphasizes that failure to comply can result in criminal charges if a minor gains access to an unsecured firearm and it is discharged causing injury or death.
“This law is designed to promote responsible gun ownership and protect minors from accidental firearm injuries,” the organization explained in a 2024 statement.
Community Shock and Ongoing Investigation
The tragic case has reignited conversations about child safety and firearm responsibility in Florida households. Community advocates have urged parents to ensure that guns are properly stored and inaccessible to children at all times.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges could be filed depending on forensic findings and DCF evaluations.
Our thoughts are with the injured twins as they recover from this devastating accident. Do you believe Florida’s gun safety laws for parents should carry harsher penalties when children are harmed due to negligence?
Share your perspective in the comments below — every voice helps spark awareness about child safety and responsible firearm storage.
