S. Indiana man accused of shooting 4-year-old with BB gun pleads not guilty

A southern Indiana man who admitted to shooting a 4-year-old girl in the head with a BB gun pleaded not guilty in court. Steven Cooney said he was babysitting his girlfriend's two daughters last month while she was at work. He said he spotted a BB gun and decided to have fun and chase the girls. He told police, after pumping the gun three times, he fired at the 4-year-old, who he said was hiding behind a box spring. Scott County Chief Deputy Chris Owes said he's not buying the story. Cooney is charged with battery, criminal recklessness and neglect of a dependent. The girl was shot in the head and later flown to Norton Children's Hospital, where she has been for more than a month. Officials said her injuries may be permanent. The BB is still in her brain and it may be there indefinitely. Cooney is being held in Scott County on a $50,000 bail.

A southern Indiana man who admitted to shooting a 4-year-old girl in the head with a BB gun pleaded not guilty in court.

Steven Cooney said he was babysitting his girlfriend's two daughters last month while she was at work.


He said he spotted a BB gun and decided to have fun and chase the girls.

He told police, after pumping the gun three times, he fired at the 4-year-old, who he said was hiding behind a box spring.

Scott County Chief Deputy Chris Owes said he's not buying the story.

Cooney is charged with battery, criminal recklessness and neglect of a dependent.

The girl was shot in the head and later flown to Norton Children's Hospital, where she has been for more than a month.

Officials said her injuries may be permanent. The BB is still in her brain and it may be there indefinitely.

Cooney is being held in Scott County on a $50,000 bail.