Lewiston man sentenced to 8 years in jail for 4-year-old stepson’s shooting death

Lewiston Step‑Father Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison After 4‑Year‑Old’s Fatal Gunshot

A Lewiston man was ordered to serve eight years behind bars on Friday in a case that left the community in shock. Robert McCoy, 37, was found guilty of manslaughter after a 4‑year‑old stepson, Jasper Smith, fatally shot himself with a handgun that had been left within reach in their apartment on Pierce Street.

The judge, Justice Jennifer Archer, suspended all but eight of the 17‑year sentence that could have been imposed on McCoy. He will also serve 364 days for child endangerment and two years for a violation of probation, all to run concurrently.

The Tragic Day

On May 17, 2025, police found 4‑year‑old Jasper Smith lying in his bed, a fatal gunshot wound to the forehead. The weapon—a 9 mm Luger handgun—was discovered in a zipped cross‑body bag near a bassinet in the family’s Lewiston apartment. The child had taken the gun to a bedroom he shared with his 8‑year‑old brother, pulled the trigger, and died at the scene.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Bogue told the court that the incident was “reckless criminal negligence.” She noted that McCoy had kept the handgun in a gun safe many times but had left it within reach several times, a fact confirmed by witnesses, including the older brother who had touched the gun before the shooting.

“Law enforcement officers, including members of the Lewiston Police Department and Maine State Police, were in the courtroom during the hearing,” Bogue added, underscoring how deeply the case has affected the community.

McCoy’s Actions After the Shooting

McCoy immediately picked up Jasper and carried him to his wife, who he instructed to call 911. He then returned to the child’s bed before emergency responders arrived. When the 8‑year‑old brother appeared in a bathroom with blood‑shot eyes, he told police he was “sorry” for not protecting his brother.

During sentencing, McCoy himself spoke with the court, tears streaming down his face. “He was a child,” he said. “I am sorry… I failed you all. I deeply loved my son.”

Family’s Pain

Jasper’s mother, Mikayla Smith, read a pre‑written statement through tears. “I loved you, but I loved my child more,” she said. “Jasper Smith,” she repeated, her voice breaking as she spoke of the child she had lost.

Jasper’s biological father, Andrew Northam, appeared on Zoom in the courtroom and said, “I lost my son before I ever got a chance to know him.” His uncle, Anthony Smith, wrote in a statement that the death “should have and could have been prevented” and described Jasper as an “innocent angel.” Aunt Laura Smith added, “Until we meet again, I will love you.”

Legal Proceedings

McCoy pleaded guilty on August 3, 2025. The case had begun with his arrest in June. Under Maine’s 2021 child endangerment law, it is illegal to leave unsecured firearms within a child’s reach. McCoy had no prior criminal record. His attorney, Justin Leary, emphasized that McCoy had “practiced gun safety many days” and that he “did love and care for his children.” Leary also said McCoy was “crushed and haunted” by Jasper’s death.

Justice Archer weighed mitigating factors such as McCoy’s genuine sadness and his “cavalier attitude toward gun safety” that ultimately led to the tragedy. She also considered the duty of parents to protect children, a point highlighted by Bogue’s testimony.

The court imposed the following conditions on McCoy’s probation: no contact with children under six, no possession of firearms or ammunition, and the possibility of random searches. Law enforcement officials, including members of the Lewiston Police Department and Maine State Police, were present in the courtroom throughout the hearing.

Aftermath

Maine Department of Health and Human Services had received 17 calls from various people connected to Jasper over the past 17 months, and seven investigations followed without findings. The community’s grief remains palpable; a small memorial was erected on the side of 93 Pierce Street in May to honor Jasper’s memory.

McCoy’s sentence brings a measure of closure for many, but the loss of a child continues to haunt those left behind. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unsecured firearms in homes with