Negligence results in Childs Death

[PegLeg45]

SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY
These types of stories break my heart to hear. Parental negligence, pure and simple. So avoidable.
This was about 45 miles from me in Valdosta.



Boy fatally shot
Seven-year-old killed by brother, 10

Malynda Fulton
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA   —

A 7-year-old boy was accidentally shot and killed by his 10-year-old brother Monday night while they were playing with a gun.

At approximately 8 p.m., Valdosta police were dispatched to the 1100 block of Ponderosa Drive about a non-responsive 7-year-old boy that had fallen at home, said Valdosta Police Department Cmdr. Brian Childress. Emergency medical services responded as well, and transported the child to South Georgia Medical Center for treatment.

“Shortly after arrival, medical staff advised that it appeared the child had been shot in the head,” Childress said. “Once the physician made that call, detectives from the VPD crime scene unit were contacted to respond to the hospital and the home. Detectives secured the home and obtained a search warrant.”

While executing the search warrant, detectives recovered a handgun, Childress said.

Detectives at the hospital interviewed family members and discovered that the child’s 10-year-old brother had shot him, Childress said.

“At this point, it appears the child accidentally shot his brother,” he said.

The child had previously told police that his little brother fell and hit his head.

“We feel that the child’s brother was just scared at the time,” Childress said.

Despite attempts to save him, the 7-year-old boy was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at the hospital.

Childress said authorities are actively investigating the shooting at this time. Police have not ruled out charges against the adults in this incident, he said.

The Valdosta Police Department offers free gun locks under a program called Project ChildSafe, the nation’s largest firearm safety education program. The Community Policing Officer, Vernotis Williams, also holds orientations to provide safety tips for gun owners.

“Officer Williams has also been to civic group meetings and handed out several locks at local stores,” Childress said. “Since beginning Project ChildSafe, we have issued nearly 3,000 throughout the city. We need the community’s help in increasing the number of locks issued.”

http://www.valdostadailytimes.com/archivesearch/local_story_139232439.html

[Hazcat]

Tragic, and the parents may well be charged.

BUT here is a little exageration...

Project ChildSafe, the nation’s largest firearm safety education program.

I guess they never heard of Eddie Eagle.

[Green Mountain Gringo]

Twenty years ago I had my main home defense gun locked up in my nightstand...very secure from my 2 year old son.  One day we were tooling around the bedroom.....son was in sight but not being 'monitored'.  I turned to see him trying keys on my key ring on the NIGHTSTAND lock.  It was innocent on his part but my heart almost stopped that the the key to open it WAS on THAT ring.

He was two and is now 22 and an Airman in the USAF.

But things could have been different.

I changed my "hiding spot" for my .357 after that.

You NEVER think it can happen to you.  I'm just lucky that it didn't.  VERY lucky.

[TAB]

Tragic, and the parents may well be charged.

BUT here is a little exageration...

I guess they never heard of Eddie Eagle.

Up until about a 2 years ago I had never heard of it... then again I don't really pay attention to the NRA anymore...

[Rob10ring]

Makes my stomach turn. So horrible. On one hand, this sounds like abhorrent negligence where charges should be filed as a reminder to everyone how important this is. On the other, these parents are beginning an extremely horrible punishment that is beyond anything I would want them sentenced to. The poor brother is always going to carry that around too.

[Sponsor]

[Texas_Bryan]

Education, education, education.

[10/22kid]

You NEVER think it can happen to you.  I'm just lucky that it didn't.  VERY lucky.

If only General Dynamics made an M1A2 you could stick your kid into until they turned 18! What a tragedy and unnessary loss of life. I'll say a prayer for the child and the family tonight.

[Steyr M40A1]

Damn shame!
I feel for this family very much as they are suffering enough.

Now as for my own family. My wife is not a fan of guns but still she understands there importance. My 7yr old daughter has been taught and drilled over and over safe rules.
I even let her hold it to demystify my handguns.
I think she is almost ready to get handed down my first rifle and pistol. A Chipmunk single shot 22 and Ruger Bearcat 22 revolver.

Dont me a statistic, educate your kids and love them every day!!!

[twyacht]

When my wife's family comes down with the "little people", I have to make adjustments to what and where. The only firearm "nightstand pistol" is put in a lockbox, no key.

My desk drawer pistol is locked away, and the shotgun in the closet goes back in the safe.  Adjustments with guns and children just have to be made.

Do I feel less armed, well yes. But as previously posted, safety, safety, safety, with children, is more important.

If nothing else, I still have the "Louisville Slugger and fullsize Mag-Lite", till I get the box..

Terrible story, 1 I have heard tragically too many times.

My grandfather used to keep a pistol by his bed, and 1 on top of the fridge, the fear of DEATH, was enough for me back than if I messed with them, but times have changed.

Truly tragic. That boy will have to live with killing his brother the rest f his life. Having his parent(s) prosecuted may be the right thing to do if there was negligence, but there will be NO winners, or happy outcome.

[lettyinreno]

TW,
My upbringing "exactly" when it came to firearms!
Sorry to hear this day & age does not respect what does not belong to them and not to touch it.
Our upbringing has to "adapt" to today's society or else we are negligent, go figure...
Sorry to hear of the trajedy