Family Of Boy Killed By Uzi Sues Gun Show

[Hazcat]

SPRINGFIELD (AP) ―


The family of an 8-year-old boy who fatally shot himself at a gun show in western Massachusetts say the Uzi submachine gun jammed twice before he lost control of the weapon and fired into his head.

The family of Christopher Bizilj of Ashford, Conn. says in a civil lawsuit filed Friday that a 15-year-old instructor who cleared the gun and handed it back to the victim failed to provide proper guidance.

The lawsuit targets owners of a gun club where the fair was held, promoters of the event and those who supplied the weapon and ammunition. They could not be reached for comment after business hours Monday.

Bizilj shot himself at the Westfield Sportsman's Club in October 2008.

His family claims that the Uzi was defective and unreasonably dangerous. They blame failure to properly service it.

http://wbztv.com/local/Christopher.Bizilj.death.2.1302267.html

[tombogan03884]

 Of course the family bears NO responsibility for PAYING for the 8 year old to be allowed to shoot the weapon.
Who could even consider such a ridiculous thing as personal responsibility.

[tt11758]

Of course the family bears NO responsibility for PAYING for the 8 year old to be allowed to shoot the weapon.
Who could even consider such a ridiculous thing as personal responsibility.

I couldn't agree more.  My only concern is the wisdom of having a 15 year old instructor teaching an 8 year old how to shoot a fully-automatic weapon.  While I understand that years are not a measure of maturity, this does seem a tad irresponsible to me.

[MikeBjerum]

I couldn't agree more.  My only concern is the wisdom of having a 15 year old instructor teaching an 8 year old how to shoot a fully-automatic weapon.  While I understand that years are not a measure of maturity, this does seem a tad irresponsible to me.

I think that I will withhold judgement on that one.  I may have been a 15 year old that cleared the jam and handed it back, but I haven't read about others there yet.

[Hazcat]

I couldn't agree more.  My only concern is the wisdom of having a 15 year old instructor teaching an 8 year old how to shoot a fully-automatic weapon.  While I understand that years are not a measure of maturity, this does seem a tad irresponsible to me.

I agree there BUT Dad was right there and said nothing!

[Sponsor]

[TAB]

If a 15 year old was the one watching him,  I'm sad to say they are going to win the court case.

[tt11758]

If a 15 year old was the one watching him,  I'm sad to say they are going to win the court case.

Actually I'll be surprised if it goes to trial.  THe defendant's insurance companies will be MORE than eager to settle the case.

[tombogan03884]

 We all agree that it was a tragedy this child died. My point is not to absolve the Vendor or the person who was instructing the child, or the range management for not keeping tighter control. Only that the Father has to share an equal portion of the blame. His child was not kidnapped and forced to fire the gun. The decision to allow him to do so was made by a supposedly reasonable adult who had the same ability as any one else to judge the age of the person supervising shooters. He had the option of saying No, lets go see what this "old guy" is shooting.

[fightingquaker13]

We all agree that it was a tragedy this child died. My point is not to absolve the Vendor or the person who was instructing the child, or the range management for not keeping tighter control. Only that the Father has to share an equal portion of the blame. His child was not kidnapped and forced to fire the gun. The decision to allow him to do so was made by a supposedly reasonable adult who had the same ability as any one else to judge the age of the person supervising shooters. He had the option of saying No, lets go see what this "old guy" is shooting.

And there you have it. The kid bears zero blame. What 8 year old wouldn't want to shoot an Uzi? The blame falls on the shoulders of all the ADULTS around him. Its like giving the kid a chainsaw or the keys to a car. A bad idea. Primary blame falls to dad, secondary blame to whoever allowed the kid to shoot it, regardless of what dad said. The blame, and here TAB is right, is increased if they put a15 year old (not old enough to own a rifle much less provide instruction in using SMGs in most state's) in charge of handing out the Uzis. I think ultimately dear old dad bares the brunt and is in denial by lashing out. Still, the brain trust that didn't have a grown up on the scene to say "No sir, the child is too young" is not blameless either.
FQ13

[tt11758]

And there you have it. The kid bears zero blame. What 8 year old wouldn't want to shoot an Uzi? The blame falls on the shoulders of all the ADULTS around him. Its like giving the kid a chainsaw or the keys to a car. A bad idea. Primary blame falls to dad, secondary blame to whoever allowed the kid to shoot it, regardless of what dad said. The blame, and here TAB is right, is increased if they put a15 year old (not old enough to own a rifle much less provide instruction in using SMGs in most state's) in charge of handing out the Uzis. I think ultimately dear old dad bares the brunt and is in denial by lashing out. Still, the brain trust that didn't have a grown up on the scene to say "No sir, the child is too young" is not blameless either.
FQ13

I agree that there is plenty of blame to go around.  The sad thing about the lawsuit is, that if it DOES go to court, common sense will be checked at the courthouse door in favor of emotion.

At any rate, it'll be interesting to watch.