Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Friday, August 08, 2008

Kenosha mother sentenced after son, 3, fatally shoots self

KENOSHA, Wis. (AP) — A Kenosha mother whose 3-year-old son died after accidentally shooting himself has been sentenced to 18 months probation.

Thirty-four-year-old Jessica Lesnick had pleaded guilty to being a party to the crime of leaving a loaded firearm near a child. She was sentenced Wednesday.

Kenosha County Circuit Judge Barbara Kluka says the death of Joshua Lesnick was already a "tremendous burden and punishment." But she says the mother still has to be held accountable.

Jessica Lesnick's husband was sentenced in June to one year of probation. Michael Lesnick is a former North Chicago police officer and licensed firearms instructor.

Jessica Lesnick told the judge she didn't bring the gun into her home, but tearfully acknowledged she was the adult in the house at the time.

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