Crime
10-year-old Miyah Harp dies after accidental shooting in Aiken County, mother Amalia Beltran faces meth charges
Investigators clarified that she was not the individual handling the firearm at the time of the accident.
In a tragic incident, 10-year-old Miyah Harp lost her life in an accidental shooting on Monday night, marking the second child shooting in Aiken County within 24 hours.
The shooting occurred around 9:57 p.m. in the 300 block of Wendy Lane in Windsor, as reported by the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office.
Emergency responders pronounced Miyah deceased at the scene at 11:13 p.m., with the cause of death identified as a gunshot wound to the chest.
According to Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables, a preliminary investigation revealed that the shooting occurred when a family member unintentionally discharged a small-caliber rifle.
The family member’s handling of the firearm led to the fatal accident. Miyah’s autopsy is scheduled to take place in Newberry.
During the investigation, authorities discovered a significant quantity of methamphetamine at the residence.
This discovery led to the arrest of Miyah’s mother, 32-year-old Amalia Nicole Beltran, on charges unrelated to the shooting.
Beltran faces allegations of drug trafficking involving 28 to 100 grams of methamphetamine or cocaine base.
Investigators clarified that she was not the individual handling the firearm at the time of the accident.
The incident has left the community grieving, highlighting the devastating consequences of accidental firearm discharges and raising concerns about the additional drug-related activities uncovered during the investigation.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.