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Ford City father charged in son's accidental shooting pleads guilty

FORD CITY, Pa. — A Ford City father accused of leaving two loaded guns within reach of his two children pleaded guilty Thursday.

Isaac Deemer, 6, was shot last summer inside his Ford City home after his half-brother grabbed one of two of the handguns that had been left on the kitchen island and aimed it at the floor before it went off, police said. Isaac suffered a gunshot wound to his collarbone area but survived.

Christopher McNeely, the boys’ father, pleaded guilty Thursday to reckless endangerment. He told Channel 11 News that what happened to his son is inexcusable and that there is no way to justify him leaving the guns out in the open.

McNeely faces up to two years’ probation and is cooperating with Child and Youth Services. Isaac is now staying with his mother.

McNeely will be sentenced on July 26.

Isaac’s stepmother, Crista McNeely, was also charged in connection with the shooting. Her trial is set to start in June.

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