× Thanks for reading!  Log in to continue.  Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account.  No credit card required.  Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

CROWN POINT | A Gary man pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent in the death of his 2-year-old daughter, who was accidentally shot by her sister, according to court records. 

Robert C. Henderson, 42, could spend six to 20 years in prison.  Lake Criminal Judge Salvador Vasquez said during Friday's hearing Henderson will serve at least six years in prison because of his prior criminal history. 

Jariah Henderson was playing with her 3-year-old sister Jan. 14, 2012, in Henderson's home when the girl shot Jariah, according to an affidavit.  The stolen .22-caliber semiautomatic handgun had been left on a television stand in the home. 

Henderson said he was doing laundry in a different room when he heard a loud boom coming from his son's bedroom, police said.  He found his daughter bleeding from the head and rushed her to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus in Gary. 

She died two days later at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital after she was removed from life support, according to the affidavit.  Her death was ruled a homicide by the Cook County medical examiner's office. 

According to the affidavit, Henderson's teenage son bought the stolen gun for $50 in Gary as protection following two home invasions in their house.