A trial date has been set for one of two Benton parents charged with manslaughter after their 2-year-old son shot himself in November.
Tabitha Ashley, 23, is scheduled to be tried June 21 before Judge Bobby McCallister in Saline County Circuit Court, according to the circuit clerk's office.
She is set to appear for a review hearing March 7.
The toddler's father, Phillip Ashley, 27, is set to appear for a hearing March 7. His trial date had not been set as of Thursday afternoon.
Police said they were called about 1:35 p.m. Nov. 17 to the couple's home at 812 Nelson Court in Benton after one of two children at the home, Bladen, fatally shot himself using a .45-caliber handgun. Police say Phillip Ashley left the gun unlocked under a dresser, where his son found it.
The toddler was pronounced dead at Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock later that day.
Tabitha Ashley also faces a charge of endangering the welfare of a minor after leaving another of her children unsupervised in another room of the house, according to court records.
She tested positive for prescription painkillers, tranquilizers and amphetamines after the shooting, according to a court affidavit filed by Benton police. The affidavit added that "officers are unsure if Tabitha was under the influence of prescription medication the day of the shooting."
If convicted of manslaughter, the Ashleys could face up to 10 years in prison.
NW News on 02/06/2016