Hinesville, Georgia — A Georgia mother who posted an emotional online fundraiser following the death of her 2-year-old son is now facing criminal charges, after investigators determined she played a role in the toddler’s fatal shooting, according to police and court records.
Authorities say Raven Louise Broniecki, 29, was charged last week with involuntary manslaughter, cruelty to children, and criminal negligence in connection with the death of her son, Keith Richard. The charges come after a police investigation into a November incident that was initially described as an accidental shooting inside the family’s home.
Child rushed to hospital after gunshot wound
According to local reports, emergency responders were called to the family’s residence on Nov. 22, when Keith Richard was found suffering from a gunshot wound. The toddler was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
At the time, the shooting was reported to law enforcement as accidental. However, investigators with the Hinesville Police Department continued to review the circumstances surrounding the incident in the days that followed.
Police have not publicly released detailed information about how the firearm was accessed or who discharged it, but officials say the evidence ultimately led them to pursue criminal charges against the child’s mother.
Fundraiser posted days before arrest
Court records and local media reports indicate that just days before her arrest, Broniecki created an online fundraiser seeking financial help after her son’s death.
In the now-deleted post, she described Keith as her “whole world” and asked for donations to help cover funeral costs and household bills. She also wrote that the family was struggling financially and emotionally following the loss, noting that she still had six other children to care for.
Authorities have not said whether the fundraiser played a role in the criminal investigation itself. It remains unclear whether any money was raised through the campaign before it was removed.
Police investigation leads to charges
Following a review of evidence and witness statements, Hinesville police determined that criminal charges were warranted. Broniecki was arrested on Dec. 8, roughly two weeks after her son’s death.
She now faces multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter, which under Georgia law can apply when a death occurs as a result of criminal negligence rather than intent.
The cruelty to children charge reflects allegations that the conditions leading to the shooting placed the child in danger, while criminal negligence suggests investigators believe reasonable care was not exercised.
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Bond set, case moves forward
After her arraignment, Broniecki was released on a $22,300 bond, according to court documents. She is expected to return to court at a later date as the case proceeds.
Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether additional charges could be filed or whether other individuals may be under investigation. Police also have not disclosed whether the firearm involved in the incident has been recovered or how it was stored.
Case raises questions about gun safety in homes
The case has renewed attention on firearm safety in homes with young children, a concern frequently raised by child welfare advocates and law enforcement agencies.
Experts note that toddlers are especially vulnerable in environments where firearms are not properly secured. Even when shootings are initially reported as accidental, investigations often focus on storage practices, supervision, and access to determine whether criminal negligence occurred.
Georgia law allows charges to be filed when a child’s death is linked to unsafe conditions, even in the absence of intent to harm.
Community reaction remains mixed
News of the charges has sparked strong reactions within the local community, with some residents expressing shock and others calling for accountability.
Because the case involves a young child and an active criminal investigation, officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while the legal process unfolds.
Authorities have not commented on the status of Broniecki’s other children or whether child protective services have become involved.
Investigation ongoing
Hinesville police say the investigation remains active, and additional details may be released as the case moves through the court system. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence outlining how the shooting occurred and why charges were filed.
For now, the death of Keith Richard remains at the center of a complex and emotionally charged case that blends grief, alleged negligence, and serious criminal accusations.
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