Parents face charges after siblings killed with unsecured shotgun

Kansas couple has been charged with child endangerment after investigators said one of their young children found a loaded, unsecured shotgun and fatally shot two siblings at the family's home earlier this year.

Aaron French, 37, and Makayla French, 28, each face four counts of aggravated child endangerment following the deaths of their children, Paxton French, 8, and Lilly French, 5, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Young child allegedly found loaded shotgun

Investigators said the shooting happened on March 28 at the family's home in Brookville, about 100 miles northwest of Wichita.

Authorities alleged a young child gained access to a loaded shotgun that had not been properly secured before shooting the two siblings.

Lilly was pronounced dead at the scene, while Paxton was airlifted to hospital, where he died on April 3.

Officials have not disclosed how the child accessed the firearm or how many shots were fired.

Parents accused of recklessly endangering children

The Ellsworth County Attorney's Office filed charges against the parents on Friday.

According to the charges, Aaron and Makayla French allegedly recklessly placed their children in danger of physical harm by failing to properly secure the firearm.

The couple is scheduled to appear in court on July 28.

Family remembers Paxton and Lilly

Paxton's obituary described him as an adventurous child who enjoyed riding his go-kart and four-wheeler, playing Minecraft with his siblings and caring for his pet hamster. It also said he hoped to join the U.S. Army one day.

Lilly was remembered for her love of animals, swimming and singing, as well as her passion for K-pop. Her obituary described her as kind and caring, adding that she loved dresses, shoes and spending time outdoors.