Two members of a Florida family, Lawanda Wade and Quante Whitaker, were charged with covering up the death of their relative, Bernard Carter III, who had been accidentally shot by a 2-year-old in their Gainesville apartment. The incident occurred on March 24 and Carter succumbed to his injuries a few days later. Police discovered that the toddler had easy access to an unsecured handgun in the home, which led to the tragic shooting. Wade and Whitaker knew about the shooting but decided to mislead investigators and cover up the true circumstances of Carter’s death.
Wade and Whitaker were charged with tampering with a witness and child abuse, while Whitaker also faces additional charges of tampering with evidence and perjury during an official proceeding. The family initially claimed that Carter had been shot elsewhere before entering the apartment, but as the investigation progressed, it became evident that they were not cooperating with the authorities. Whitaker was accused of telling multiple lies during the investigation and contradicting his own statements, further complicating the case.
During the investigation, it was revealed that an 8-year-old present in the apartment at the time of the shooting provided a “coached version” of events, initially falsely claiming that Carter had been shot by a masked man. Eventually, the child admitted that the 2-year-old had shot Carter in his bedroom. It was believed that Whitaker removed the gun from Carter’s room after the shooting and concealed it in the kitchen, adding to the deception surrounding the incident. The family’s behavior and attempts to mislead the authorities raised concerns about their involvement in the cover-up.
Wade was arrested on charges related to the case, while Whitaker had not been taken into custody at the time of the report. The family’s resistance to cooperating with the police and their attempts to hide crucial information about the shooting posed significant obstacles to the investigation. The attorney representing Wade declined to comment on the situation, indicating that the legal process surrounding the case would likely be complex and contentious. The tragic incident highlighted the importance of responsible gun ownership and transparency in dealing with such accidents to prevent further harm and protect the safety of all individuals involved.
The case of Bernard Carter III’s death shed light on the consequences of negligence and deception in handling firearm-related incidents within a family setting. The ease of access to an unsecured handgun by a toddler resulted in a devastating accident that claimed Carter’s life. Wade and Whitaker’s decision to cover up the shooting and mislead investigators prolonged the process of seeking justice and accountability for Carter’s death. The lack of cooperation and honesty from the family members involved in the incident emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to legal protocols in such situations to ensure proper investigation and resolution.
The charges brought against Wade and Whitaker reflected the seriousness of their actions in the aftermath of Carter’s death. Tampering with witnesses, child abuse, and other related offenses underscored the legal ramifications of attempting to conceal crucial information from law enforcement. The involvement of multiple individuals in the cover-up complicated the case and raised questions about the family dynamics and motives behind their actions. As the legal proceedings continued, it was essential for all parties to fully cooperate with the authorities and provide truthful accounts of the events leading to Carter’s tragic death. The case served as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in addressing sensitive and complex situations involving firearms and fatalities within a family context.
