Mother of 2-year-old who shot himself in the leg facing 6 years in prison

The mother of a 2-year-old boy who shot and wounded himself with a gun she tried to hide in her bedroom faces up to six years in prison, prosecutors said.

Jana Ryce, 23, has been indicted on one count of child endangering as well as a gun charge, according to a news release from Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers.

The shooting happened April 23 at Ryce's apartment in Fairview. According to prosecutors, Ryce's boyfriend had given her the gun − which previously was reported stolen − to hide.

Ryce was taking a nap, according to the news release, when her 2-year-old son found the gun "and managed to discharge (it) at himself." The boy shot himself in the left leg, court documents say.

Ryce took him to a nearby hospital. He required multiple screws in the leg.

Police went to the apartment and took possession of the gun, a Smith & Wesson semiautomatic pistol.

Ryce's attorney, Darrin Nye, declined to comment Monday.

Ryce's boyfriend, 25-year-old Amir Evans, was not allowed to have a gun because of previous felony convictions. He is charged with being a felon in possession of a gun and tampering with evidence. He has pleaded not guilty.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Jana Ryce charged after 2-year-old son shot himself in the leg