Aria Taylor dies in fatal Hanover Township shooting

Aria Taylor dies in fatal Hanover Township shooting

Fatal Hanover Township shooting death of Aria Taylor – Obituary

Authorities have charged a Hanover Township woman and her 12-year-old son after the accidental shooting death of 8-year-old Aria Taylor in December, police said Monday.

Phillicia S. Brantley, 38, faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child, while her son, whose name is withheld due to his age, is charged as a juvenile with manslaughter and assault.

Police reported that the tragic incident occurred at around 3 a.m. on December 9, 2024, inside the family’s home on Fellows Avenue. According to the Luzerne County Coroner’s Office, Aria Taylor died from a gunshot wound to her abdomen, and her death was ruled a homicide.

Investigators determined that Brantley had left her children unattended that night. During her absence, her 12-year-old son found a Sig Sauer P365 .380-caliber handgun in an unsecured case in Brantley’s bedroom.

While handling the firearm, the boy unintentionally discharged the weapon, striking Aria and causing fatal injuries, police said. Both the gun and its storage case were improperly secured, according to authorities.

As of Monday morning, there were no court records indicating an arraignment for Brantley.