SANDY SPRINGS, GEORGIA – The father of a 2-year-old boy who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at an apartment in Sandy Springs was denied bond at his initial court appearance.

According to a FOX 5 Atlanta report on February 20, 2026, Richard Willis appeared in Fulton County court in inmate attire, facing serious charges including murder and cruelty to children.

Court Denies Bond in Early Stage

During the brief hearing, the judge stated that under Georgia state law, at this stage, the lower court does not have the authority to set bond for the charges Willis is facing. Willis remains in custody at the Fulton County Jail.

Willis' attorney, Clint Rucker, stated in court that the family "sends deep prayers" following River's death and requested that the court allow his client to be released on bond.

Case Progression According to Arrest Warrant

According to investigative records, the incident occurred on February 18 at the Carlyle of Sandy Springs apartment complex on Sandalwood Drive.

Police stated that Willis and the child's mother had just returned home after a medical procedure. They put their 2-year-old son down for a nap with a phone.

According to the arrest warrant, Willis then removed a fanny pack containing a loaded 9mm handgun and tossed it onto the bed in the master bedroom.

Subsequently, the child came downstairs and told his father that the phone battery was dead and asked his father to lie down with him. However, according to investigators, Willis told the child to return to the master bedroom — where the gun was located — and said he would come up later.

Minutes later, Willis told police that he heard a gunshot.

Serious Criminal Charges

Authorities allege that Willis acted with gross negligence by leaving a loaded weapon within a child's reach, and by telling the child to return to the room where the gun was located, despite knowing the child was aware of its presence.

Willis faces the following charges:

  • Felony murder
  • Cruelty to children

A bond hearing is expected to take place before a superior court judge in the near future. Willis is scheduled to return to court next month.

The investigation is ongoing.