Father of child killed in Carolina Beach accidental shooting pleads guilty

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A New Jersey man has pleaded guilty to child abuse charges and failing to store a firearm properly, after his son died while the family was on vacation in Carolina Beach.

Alejandro Arias appeared in New Hanover County court on Tuesday afternoon.

The case stemmed from a shooting at a rental condo on Lake Park Boulevard in August. A five-year-old child, left unattended while watching television, accessed an unlocked bag in a downstairs bedroom. Inside the bag was Arias’ personal firearm, which his son accidentally discharged, resulting in a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Arias’ attorney informed the court that he had taken steps to ensure such an incident could never happen again. He stated that no firearms were kept in his home. Weapons he possessed were stored securely at the jail where he works as a corrections officer.

Arias’ attorney told the court he also created a public service announcement emphasizing how quickly such accidents can occur, even with precautions in place. In the PSA, Arias shared his commitment to enhanced safety measures moving forward and urged others to do the same

The judge sentenced Arias to 24 months of unsupervised probation and required him to continue participating in public service announcements. He was instructed to remain free of any charges or convictions during this period and was ordered to appear in court on December 9, 2026. He was permitted to retain a firearm solely for official use as a law enforcement officer. The firearm will be handed over to the Carolina Beach Police Department for destruction.