Father of toddler “Baby River” denied bond after Sandy Springs apartment shooting

A Fulton County magistrate judge denied bond Thursday for a Sandy Springs father charged in the death of his 2-year-old son, known to family as “Baby River.”

Richard Willis appeared in court wearing a Fulton County Jail jumpsuit to face charges of murder and cruelty to children. Under Georgia law, the magistrate judge was not authorized to set bond at this stage of the case. Willis remains in custody.

What investigators say happened

According to arrest warrants, the child fatally shot himself after gaining access to a loaded handgun inside his father’s fanny pack.

Police say Willis and the child’s mother had returned to their Sandy Springs apartment Wednesday following a medical procedure. They put their son down for a nap with a cellphone.

Investigators allege Willis removed a fanny pack containing a loaded 9-millimeter handgun and placed it on the bed in the master bedroom.

Court documents state the toddler later came downstairs, told his father the phone had died, and asked him to lie down with him. Instead, investigators say Willis directed the child to return upstairs to the master bedroom, where the firearm was located, and told him he would follow shortly.

Minutes later, Willis reported hearing a gunshot.

Authorities allege Willis acted with criminal negligence by leaving the loaded firearm unsecured and sending his son into a room where he knew the weapon was accessible.

Family statement

Willis’ attorney, Clint Rucker, addressed the court on behalf of the family.

“The family wanted me to express their profound thoughts and prayers for the loss of Baby River,” Rucker said. “They are very much in favor of the court setting a bond in this case and allowing Mr. Willis to come home.”

What’s next

Bond will be addressed at a future hearing before a superior court judge. Willis is scheduled to return to court next month.