UPDATE: Charges upgraded in Macon baby’s death

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Charges for the boyfriend accused of accidentally killing his girlfriend’s 17-month-old son have been upgraded.

According to Lt. Randy Gonzalez with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, 36-year-old Ronnie Howard is now charged with 2nd degree murder, replacing his initial charge of reckless conduct.

Howard is still charged with cruelty to children.

Howard was cleaning a gun inside a home on Thomaston Road around 3:30 p.m. Thursday when the gun discharged.

17-month-old Victor Carroll was hit in the face.

Howard and Carroll’s mother, Brooke Carroll, drove the toddler to the hospital.

Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones says the child died shortly after 4 p.m.

Investigators interviewed Howard and Carroll.

Both say the gun accidentally went off.

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MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – 17 month old Victor Carroll died late Thursday afternoon after being shot in the head, according to Bibb County Coroner Leon Jones.

He was taken to Medical Center, Navicent Health by his parents.  It happened at a home in the 6300 block of Thomaston Road in Bibb County. The toddler was pronounced dead just after 4:00 p.m. at the hospital.

Jones says someone could have possibly been cleaning a gun.

Neighbors tell 41NBC News this is a tragedy for the entire community.

“It just gives me chills just talking about it because it’s just awful,” Roger Campbell said. “This is stuff we see that happens other places.”

Authorities say the investigation is still in the early stages and ongoing.

We’re working to get more information and will have updates on 41NBC News and here at 41NBC.com.