UPDATE on 8 yr. old Uzi death: Police chief pleads not guilty in boy's Uzi death

[HopeHoops]

Source: MSNBC

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - A police chief in western Massachusetts has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the death of an 8-year-old boy who accidentally shot himself with an Uzi at a gun show.
...
Fleury's lawyer also entered not guilty pleas Monday to four counts of furnishing a machine gun to a person under 18.
...
Christopher attended the Machine Gun Shoot and Firearms Expo at the Westfield Sportsman's club on Oct. 26 with his father and brother. The fair's ads promised shooters with certified instructors, but prosecutors said Christopher was supervised by an uncertified 15-year-old boy when the accident occurred.

Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28352151/

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I didn't expect to hear anything more about this unfortunate event, but it is good to know that they didn't just brush it off. There's a "more on: Uzi Death" link at the bottom of the full story.

[rocktivity]

1. He was neglient in allowing his son to operate the weapon

That's a textbook definition of involuntary manslaughter.

Of course the defense will insist that it was a total accident and he didn't MEAN for him for the boy to dead, but that's not what manslaughter is.

:headbang:
rocknation

[HopeHoops]

2. The article doesn't mention the dad being charged, but I completely agree with you about that!

[Recursion]

3. Full-grown men need training to fire that weapon safely

I'm still appalled somebody handed one to a kid, even though I'm pretty much what passes for a "gun nut" on DU.

[rocktivity]

5. It's because of you "DU gun nuts" that while I am still pro-gun control

I am no longer anti-gun!

:hi:
rocknation

[HopeHoops]

17. That weapon CAN NOT be fired safely. They call it 50/50 - 50% you kill him, 50% yourself.

[-..__...]

21. Poor choice in introducing someone to full-auto firearms.

Letting the kid fire a tripod mounted belt-fed (MG-42, MG-34, M-60, M-1919, etc), would have been a much safer alternative... (they're also more of a hoot to shoot). :smoke:

[lanlady]

6. it's not the father being charged

It's the gun show organizer. I don't understand why the father was let off the hook, even after he said he had "no regrets" about letting his boy handle an Uzi. Guns must be some kind of religion to some people.

[LisaL]

25. Apparently the prosecutor thinks death of his child is punishment

enough. I personally don't get it either.

[happygoluckytoyou]

4. 'nuff punishment----> HIS SON IS DEAD.... i know... but still ENOUGH!

[Scout]

13. sorry, that is not punishment. should Caylee Anthony's killer be let off

if it turns out it was her mother? i mean, her child is dead, isn't that enough punishment?

[LisaL]

24. I happen to agree with you.

Using that logic, the parents who kill their children should all go free.
After all, if the death of a child is punishment enough, why should anyone who kill their child be punished? Of course in this doctor's case, he didn't intend for the child to die, but still... Why should he not be charged with an involuntary manslaughter?

[onehandle]

7. No minor should be allowed in gun shows or gun shops. Prosecute everyone involved. nt

[slackmaster]

8. That's just silly

Kids love gun shows. There are always things they enjoy seeing at gun shows.

:nuke:

[Dogtown]

10. They love to play with matches, too, Slack.

Generally, letting children have their way just because they like destructive shit is pretty bad parenting.

[slackmaster]

14. Taking a child to a gun show is no different than any other family outing

Gun shows are not dangerous.

[Winterblues]

15. Gun shows are not dangerous and we are talking about watermelons on this thread..

If gun shows are not dangerous why is there a little boy dead?

[slackmaster]

16. That was a machine gun SHOOT, not just a gun show

Most gun shows do not involve live fire. Every one I have ever been to doesn't permit loaded firearms at any time, except for law enforcement people.

[HopeHoops]

18. Gun shows don't kill people - morons who would give an Uzi to an 8 yr. old kill people.

[Dogtown]

22. just poking the bear, Slack.

i have no problem w/supervised children @ gun shows, provided the supervision is adequate.

i really believe the quality of training/supervision at these events is inconsistent; state certification for instructors and professional supervisors should be mandatory. (i'm including the types of shooting events as the featured in the OP).


there are many concrete-commandos out there that are 'self-certified' and shouldn't be allowed *near* children/firearms/alcohol singly or in *any* combination.

Bo Gritz and his ilk are ruining the reputation of the sport. the NRA is doing it's part to hurt the image of gunners, also.



for the record, i have a GA carry permit and am logged into the handwritten 'dimestore' ledger entitled "Pistol Toters Book" that my county considers an adequate record.

i shit you not.

[slackmaster]

23. Thanks

My stepfather taught me gun safety when I was 10. He had been, among other jobs, a basic rifle instructor in the Navy.

[Recursion]

11. Oh come on

To the contrary, kids should be taught safe gun handling early, and shown that guns aren't some mystical magical thing.

[HopeHoops]

19. Yes, my 3 teen daughters have all taken gun safety - SET the safety, UNLOAD it, EMPTY the chamber

And, as black belts, they all know how to use it as a blunt force weapon after it has been cleared of ammunition.

[-..__...]

20. Yes...

mustn't contaminate impressionable young minds with ideas and/or pastimes you find objectionable.

Real open minded of you.

[onehandle]

26. Hey kids! Come on down to the local porn shop!

D__S says anything goes in the realm of ideas and/or pastimes!

You might want to avoid the sticky booths in the back.

DU cracks me up.

[DS1]

9. I was just thinking about this case yesterday

[Bombero1956]

12. some more info

The weapon owner's 15 year old son was the "qualified instructor" on the day of the gun show.