Mother of 3-year-old who died from self-inflicted gunshot wound shares about her family

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The mother of the 3-year-old girl that died after she shot herself in the Fern Creek area last week is speaking out.

According to a police citation, the 3-year-old, identified as Aubree Goss, got a hold of her father's gun during the morning of Nov. 21.

E'Monta Goss, 29, told police he loaded the gun and put it under the couch, according to the police report. Goss said he then fell asleep and woke up to the sound of the gunshot. He was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Bond has been set at $250,000.

Aubree Goss was taken to Norton Children's Hospital in downtown Louisville, where she died from her injuries shortly after the shooting occurred.

Collage of Aubree and E'Monta Goss. (Courtesy: Mother of Aubree Goss)

The mother, who asked to be identified as Aubree Goss' mother, provided WDRB a statement:

"E’monta has been a constant source of support for me and our children every single day. For the past two years, it’s truly been just us—living in a state far from family. Those who know us, whether through work or in our personal lives, understand the dedication and love he brings to his role as a father and partner. He is active, hardworking, and devoted—not only to the children we share at home but also to his other child and extended family.

Aubree was the princess of our home, and E’monta treated Aubree and me like royalty. As he often said, she was 'his princess,' the only girl out of her siblings and a true daddy’s girl. While she loved me dearly, it was always her father she ran to first. He cherished that his children saw him as 'Poppa Bear,' and when I said no to something, he would often sneak her a treat, like fruit snacks or chocolate milk. He would lay by her side, watching TV until she fell asleep.

Our family made beautiful memories together—walking through the neighborhood and visiting her favorite spot, the waterfront. Every moment was filled with love, joy, and laughter. There are no bad memories, only cherished ones that will forever remain in our hearts.

E’Monta is a hardworking father who dedicates 8-12 hours daily to provide for his family however he had just worked a 14 hour shift. Despite this, the family faced unfair treatment, with authorities portraying him in a negative light. E’Monta has always been a loving and devoted father, working long hours during the day and most nights while me, the mother, worked early mornings.

Living in a state far from family and without local support, as a couple we worked tirelessly to build a future for our children.

As we cope with the heartbreaking loss of our daughter, Aubree, the family asks for prayers during this difficult time. Aubree, forever loved and cherished, will always be Daddy’s girl and will never be forgotten."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 70 kids die each year in the Untied States due to unintentional gunfire.

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