MIAMI-DADE, FL – Krystal Banegas, a 24-year-old Miami-Dade resident, appeared in court Wednesday afternoon wearing a suicide prevention vest. She stands accused of manslaughter and child neglect in relation to the shooting death of her 4-year-old daughter. Her boyfriend, Quavanta Ennels, 25, also faces the same charges. Prior to this, Ennels was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to the police report, Banegas’ 3-year-old son accidentally shot his older sister on November 5th. The older sibling, identified as Josalyn Taylor-Rolle, was shot in the head. The incident occurred at the residence of Ennels, located in West Little River area.
Prosecutors stated that there were several children in the bedroom unsupervised where the loaded 9mm pistol was accessible. The victim’s younger brother is believed to have grabbed the weapon from atop a dresser and accidentally fired the fatal shot.
Banegas’ seeming indifference towards the incident has been pointed out in her arrest warrant. It notes that during police questioning, she appeared more concerned about the possibility of her arrest than providing clear details to investigators.
Ennels’ arrest warrant paints a bleak picture of their living conditions. It describes a filthy home infested with cockroaches and rats. Investigators noted the presence of drug paraphernalia in close proximity to food products and baby bottles. Banegas, who is currently being held on an $800,000 bond, will reappear in court on Thursday.