Detroit gun owner arraigned in teen’s death

Detroit — A 45-year-old Detroit gun owner was arraigned Thursday on charges connected to the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old girl who died earlier this week after the gun discharged while the teen and the man’s son were playing with it.

Ivan Berrien was charged with involuntary manslaughter, second-degree child abuse, felon in possession of a firearm, and felony firearm. He received a bond of 275,000, 10 percent and was barred from purchasing or possessing a gun.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Feb. 11 at 8:30 a.m. and a preliminary examination is scheduled for Feb. 11 at 1:30 p.m. Both hearings are before Judge Shannon Holmes in 36th District Court.

Court officials previously had indicated Berrien would be arraigned Friday morning.

According to police, it appears the teenage girl, who may have been babysitting, was with several other children when they discovered the weapon around 4:40 p.m. Tuesday in a home in the 15800 block of Lappin on the city’s east side. Three other children between the ages of five and seven also were in the home.

According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, it’s alleged that when Berrien left to pick up a pizza, the 14-year-old son got his father’s rifle from the bedroom.

Prosecutors say while the son and the girl were playing with the gun, it discharged, fatally striking her in the head.

The girl was rushed to a hospital but was dead on arrival.

“An investigation showed that the adult was the owner of the home and of the weapon,” Sgt. Michael Woody said. “Because he was a convicted felon, he has been charged as a felon in possession of a handgun. We also discovered he has a number of traffic warrants.”

HFournier@detroitnews.com