Father accused in shooting death of Lawrence toddler makes first court appearance

A Lawrence man charged with involuntary manslaughter in the September 2017 shooting death of his 1-year-old daughter made a first appearance in Douglas County District Court on Friday.

The man, Chance M. Smith, 32, is charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of aggravated endangering a child, all felonies.

According to police records, the shooting occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 22, 2017, at Smith’s home in the 600 block of North Michigan Street. Police so far have not disclosed details of what happened other than the fact that the incident resulted in the death of Autumn Grace Smith, who was a month shy of her second birthday.

Charging documents released Friday indicate there were two toddlers in the home at the time.

Smith has posted a $10,000 bond and is free pending the outcome of the case. District Attorney Charles Branson’s office said the court did not alter Smith’s bond at Friday’s first appearance. His next court appearance is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Aug. 9.

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