10 years in prison for father of 2-year-old girl killed by ghost gun

BALTIMORE – A Baltimore man pleaded guilty Friday to the manslaughter of his 2-year-old daughter.

It all started on December 17, 2023. Officers went to Sinai Hospital and found young Charlee Gamble with a gunshot wound to the head.

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Police later learned that her father, Christopher Gamble, had left Charlee at the hospital around 7:14 p.m. After coming to the hospital a second time to drop off her mother, he came a third time around 7:32 p.m. wearing different clothes.

He stayed at the hospital and spoke to the police, but they later learned that young Charlee had succumbed to her injuries.

Police searched the 6000 block of Park Heights Avenue, where Christopher lived, and found blood on the floor outside the lobby, on the walls in the hallway, on the apartment door, and on the walls inside the apartment.

They also found a small hole in the bedroom ceiling, which was later determined to have been made by a 9mm bullet.

Video surveillance shows that when Christopher returned to the hospital for a second time, he apparently threw something down the drain on Clover Road.

READ MORE: Father arrested for murder of two-year-old

Detectives searched the area and found a black Polymer 80 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

During the interview with police, Christopher said that he was alone in the bedroom with Charlee and that he had a ghost gun.

He said while he was looking at his phone, Charlee picked up the gun from the television stand and shot herself. Christopher also claimed he had no idea what happened to the gun or where it was.

He also told police that he wanted to die and that “everything was his fault.”

According to prosecutors, Christopher was not allowed to possess a firearm at the time because he had been convicted of assault in Wicomico County in September 2021.

“This is a devastating case that illustrates the terrible consequences of unsafe gun storage and illegal gun possession,” said prosecutor Ivan Bates.

In addition to Christopher's ten-year prison sentence, he will not be eligible for parole for the first five years.

“Today's guilty plea and sentencing are a sobering reminder of the devastating impact that illegal handguns have had on our great city,” said District Attorney Bates. “Leaving an unsecured, illegal firearm within reach of a child is an act of profound negligence that resulted in a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy. No court ruling can bring Charlee Gamble back. Her death is the most serious consequence this defendant will face for the rest of his life. This sentence reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who put our community, especially our children, in danger. Our thoughts are with the family as they continue to cope with this unimaginable loss.”