A Michigan man is facing six criminal firearms-related charges after a 4-year-old girl died from an accidental gunshot wound to the head with a weapon that was improperly stored inside a home in Lansing, authorities said.

Criminal Background and Charges

The prosecution stated that Pendergrass had a prior felony conviction, which legally prohibited him from possessing a firearm. Even so, he was charged with six felonies, including two counts of violating secure gun storage laws.

The Lansing Police Department is holding him on $1 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 6.

Ingham County Prosecutor John Dewane called the girl's death "completely preventable."

"It would not have happened if the gun had been stored securely, as required by Michigan law, using a lock or gun safe," he said. "One life lost is one too many, and we must do everything we can to protect our children from preventable tragedies like this."

Neighbors of the apartment complex where the incident occurred expressed shock and grief. One resident, who preferred not to be identified, tearfully told WILX, the local NBC affiliate: “They have to put down the guns. They just have to put them down, they have to find something better to do.”