New dad killed by stray bullet while welcoming baby home

Family were holding party for child born on father's day as Steven Ayers was hit by a bullet while standing in his kitchen

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The dad of a child born on father’s day was killed by a stray bullet as he welcomed the baby home in Florida last week.

New dad Steven Ayers and his wife and family were holding a party as their three-day-old baby returned home on Tuesday when a bullet came through the back window of the house and hit Ayers, killing him. Ayers worked as a musician and a teacher, and lived in Panama City in Florida.

Police found a neighbour, Charles Shisler, in the garden behind the family’s home, according to local reports. “The damn gun doesn’t usually shoot,” 62-year-old Shisler is alleged to have told police.

Shisler, who is thought to have been intoxicated, is said to have admitted to firing the gun and has been charged with manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was convicted for another firearms offence in 2006.

The bullet travelled nearly the length of a football field to reach the family home and hit Ayers in the back of the head.