BENTONVILLE — Criminal proceedings ended today with a jail and prison sentence for the Decatur couple who were arrested after their 5-year-old shot himself.
Lawrence Thompson, 43, pleaded guilty to possession of firearms by certain persons, tampering with physical evidence and endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree. The plea was under an agreement his attorney, Marianne Hudson reached with Stuart Cearley, chief deputy prosecutor.
Jessica Kay Thompson, 28, pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a minor in the first degree. Her attorney was Rachel McKay, deputy public defender.
Lawrence Thompson was sentenced to 5 years in the Arkansas Department of Correction. He must also abide by a suspended sentence agreement for 6 years after his release form prison.
Jessica Thompson was placed on 6 years state supervised probation and she was sentenced to 60 days in the Benton County Jail.
The Thompsons were arrested June 27. Their arrests stem from an accident where the Decatur couple’s son shot himself with a revolver, according to court documents. The shooting occurred at 1:30 a.m. June 26 at 388 Hill Ave.
Jessica Thompson took her son to Siloam Springs Regional Hospital. He later was transferred to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.
Lawrence Thompson later told the doctor the injury was due to a gunshot. He claimed his .38-caliber revolver was locked away, but his son must have found the key and then got the gun, according to court documents. Lawrence Thompson said he was awakened by the gunshot and found his bleeding son in the hallway, according to the affidavit.
Jessica Thompson took the boy to the hospital and Lawrence Thompson said he retrieved the bullet that lodged in the ceiling and put it in the kitchen trash can, according to court documents.
Jessica Thompson admitted telling an emergency room physician the boy received the injuries from a butcher’s knife, but claimed she lied to the doctor because she was afraid of losing her children, according to court documents.
Circuit Judge Brad Karren accepted the Thompsons’ guilty pleas and the plea agreements.
The Thompsons must each pay $1,870 in court associated costs.
The couple must also complete a parenting class.