The father of the six-year-old Chicago boy who fatally shot his 3-year-old brother during a game of "cops and robbers" has been released on bail.
Michael Santiago, 25, was charged with felony child endangerment by prosecutors, who sought to have him held on $1 million bail, in the Saturday shooting that left his youngest son Eian Santiago dead, according to ABC News.
Family members opposed the massive bail amount, a sentiment shared by others which ultimately led it to be reduced to $75,000 and agreed upon by Cook County Judge James Brown. Santiago payed the amount and was out of jail by Monday afternoon.
Brown called Eian's shooting the "ultimate tragedy" during the hearing.
"And it's what happens when people have guns who shouldn't have guns," the judge said. "That's why we've had 2,300 people shot in Chicago so far this year."
Investigators say Santiago, a former gang member, says he brought a gun for protection after being forced to testify against a fellow gang member in a murder trial, reported ABC's Chicago affiliate ABC 7. Prosecutors revealed Santiago possesses neither a valid owners identification card or a valid conceal carry permit for the loaded weapon.
The older son apparently knew about the gun which was left on top of the fridge wrapped in pajamas, after he was told about it the week before, and warned not to touch it.
However, the child ignored his father's warning that fateful night, took it off the fridge and accidentally shot Eian in the head, reported the Associated Press.
Santiago is scheduled to return to court Friday.
