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Vacaville Couple Sentenced In Accidental Shooting Of Child

A Vacaville couple was sentenced Friday morning to four years probation and 275 days in Solano County jail in connection with the accidental shooting of their two-year-old daughter by their 8-year-old son last year.

Michael Shanahan's and Daniela Shanahan's daughter Ayana was shot around 2:10 p.m. on Sept. 23, 2009 while her brother was playing unsupervised with a 9mm handgun in their parents' bedroom at the family's Vacaville home on Syracuse Circle. She was pronounced dead at VacaValley Hospital.

Michael, 29, pleaded no contest in March to one count of unsafe storage of a firearm and his wife Daniela, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of child endangerment in Solano County Superior Court. All other charges initially filed against them, including child abuse or neglect, were dismissed.

Solano County Deputy District Attorney Terry Ray said the Shanahans have 185 days credit for time served and will serve the 90-day balance of their term.

Solano County Superior Court Judge Wendy Getty also ordered the couple to attend a 52-week parenting class and perform 200 hours of community service, Ray said.

Ray said she asked the judge to sentence the defendants to two years in prison. Michael Shanahan faced a three-year term and his wife faced six years in prison, Ray said.

The weapons confiscated from their home by police will be destroyed, Ray said.

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