Toddler Killed: Evergreen Man Charged with Homicide in Toddler’s Shooting Death

KALISPELL – A 23-year-old man was charged with negligent homicide Friday in the shooting death of a 19-month-old girl.

Dwayne Smail appeared in Flathead County Justice Court, where his bail was set at $200,000. His arraignment was scheduled for March 27.

Smail, who was taking care of Korbyn Eva May Williams, called 911 Wednesday night to report the shooting. The toddler suffered a gunshot wound to the head, sheriff's deputies said.

According to court documents, Smail told investigators he placed the 9 mm pistol — which had no safety — on an exposed portion of his bed's box spring before he went to sleep. He awoke to Korbyn tapping him on the shoulder and holding the gun. When Smail tried to grab it from her, it went off, according to the documents.

An autopsy was conducted Thursday, but Undersheriff Pete Wingert said it would take some time for the results to be released.

Wingert said forensic experts from the Washington State Crime Lab, who also work as paid private consultants, would help investigate the death.

Flathead County detectives requested expert help in analyzing bloodstain patterns in the Evergreen apartment where Korbyn died.