Man accidentally shot and killed in gun shop

[Elkins45]

https://people.com/kentucky-man-kil...identally-shoots-manipulating-firearm-8673317

I knew him. He was one of my former students. He was shot and killed when another customer in a gun shop was manipulating a firearm and it discharged. I saw in another story the case was taken before a grand jury but the shooter was not indicted. I haven’t heard any further details if it was a gun the shooter carried in or if he was examining one from the store inventory, so I don’t know how a live round found it’s way into the gun.

I’ve never been present when someone has had an unintended discharge, but I know it has happened at gun shows I’ve attended. I’m not sure what you can do to prevent being a victim of this except perhaps to be ultra-vigilant about watching where other people point their muzzles.

It goes without saying this wouldn’t have ended in tragedy had the gun been pointed in a safe direction.

 

[Hall]

or if he was examining one from the store inventory

Very, very unlikely it was a handgun belonging to the store, at least not a new one. I can't think of any reason why a new one would ever come in contact with a bullet until it's sold. Could be a rental gun if that store has an in-store range.

Even though a grand jury didn't indict the shooter, he/she will almost certainly be indicted for a "negligent" charge, but not a "murder" based charge.

 

[Pablo]

4 rules

Period!

 

[burbguy82]

I don’t know how a live round found it’s way into the gun.

I do, someone put it in there, and someone of a series of someones did not check the gun. That, or it was intentional.

It goes without saying this wouldn’t have ended in tragedy had the gun been pointed in a safe direction.

Sure, but in this setting it is a gun store. I have no doubt that guns are pointed in all sorts of directions, just as they are in gun shows. "safe direction" ..........not sure that that really exists 100%. Agreed, "safe pointing" is key,

Sorry to hear about your acquaintance

 

[KJSmith]

"The preliminary investigation indicates that a customer in the store was viewing a firearm for sale and manipulating it when a single round discharged, striking the victim, who was also in the store,"

I have never been in a gun store where the firearm was not cleared by the salesperson before it was handed to me and after I handed it back to him.

 

[ls1mike]

That is horrible, I wasn't there so I won't comment on how/what happened. But I remember an accidental discharge at the range when I was in the Army. That was not a good thing.

 

[dubber09]

Following one single rule could have prevented the incident - never point a gun at or in direction of a person.
In Canada it's a criminal offence to point a gun at a person, even if gun is proven to be empty.

 

[Elkins45]

Very, very unlikely it was a handgun belonging to the store, at least not a new one. I can't think of any reason why a new one would ever come in contact with a bullet until it's sold. Could be a rental gun if that store has an in-store range.

Even though a grand jury didn't indict the shooter, he/she will almost certainly be indicted for a "negligent" charge, but not a "murder" based charge.

I found out from another story it was a gun in store inventory the customer was examining. The store doesn’t have a range as best I can tell.

I don’t think he was married, but I imagine if he had any kids they are probably going to hammer the store owner with a civil liability suit.

 

[AZjeff]

I bought a Ruger semiauto pistol on gunbroker one time from a dealer. When my dealer got it I went in and he slid the case across the counter and said take a look. I got it out, turned away pointed at the floor and pulled the slide back to check empty and a cartridge flew out and hit the floor. He looked up from his book and said was that what I think it was?? I was speechless. The mag was loaded as well. YES I should have dropped the mag first but I ASSUMED he had already checked it out. We were both shaken. People make mistakes, get complacent.

 

[dubber09]

Seller or shop owner should have checked the gun before handing it over for sure. Also, imho gun safety should be taught in school.

 

[mr_boring]

"The preliminary investigation indicates that a customer in the store was viewing a firearm for sale and manipulating it when a single round discharged, striking the victim, who was also in the store,"

I have never been in a gun store where the firearm was not cleared by the salesperson before it was handed to me and after I handed it back to him.

Same

 

[SC Maintenance]

I have never been in a gun store where the firearm was not cleared by the salesperson before it was handed to me and after I handed it back to him.

Me either. They clear it and hand it to you, and then you clear it.

Following one single rule could have prevented the incident - never point a gun at or in direction of a person.
In Canada it's a criminal offence to point a gun at a person, even if gun is proven to be empty.

Pretty sure thats the law everywhere, but you have to actually prove someone was pointing it at someone. If your in a gun store and are just pointing it over there sort of thing it wouldn't be applicable. Sounds like the shooter was cycling the weapon, not really even pointing it. Terrible tragedy, easily preventable.

SC Code § 16-23-410 (2023)

It is unlawful for a person to present or point at another person a loaded or unloaded firearm.
A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than five years. This section must not be construed to abridge the right of self-defense or to apply to theatricals or like performances.

 

[Pablo]

Following one single rule could have prevented the incident - never point a gun at or in direction of a person.
In Canada it's a criminal offence to point a gun at a person, even if gun is proven to be empty.

Here it is as well, brandishing a firearm is a thing

But I have to think this a terrible accident case of stupidity and negligence. I have watched gun shops check for clear chamber, and I STILL check for clear chamber.....

 

[dubber09]

To me, it's not an accident, it's improper handling and not following safety rules. Most likely finger on the trigger and cycling the gun... boom. Negligent discharge is not an accidental discharge.

 

[mr_boring]

To me, it's not an accident, it's improper handling and not following safety rules. Most likely finger on the trigger and cycling the gun... boom. Negligent discharge is not an accidental discharge.

Paul H helped me understand that difference.

 

[Pablo]

To me, it's not an accident, it's improper handling and not following safety rules. Most likely finger on the trigger and cycling the gun... boom. Negligent discharge is not an accidental discharge.

Agree. I edited my post.

I think of the person who claims the the "gun just went off"

 

[Elkins45]

There is absolutely a difference between a negligent discharge and an accidental one. An accident is when there’s a mechanical malfunction. Negligence is when you thought the gun was unloaded but it wasn’t.

I can’t say for certain what happened in this case but unless he was hit with a ricochet the shooter was definitely violating one of the four basic rules by pointing a gun at him.

 

[k1xv]

Its entirely possible for a person to buy a magazine and ammo elsewhere , load it, then carry it into a gun store. Then ask to see the model gun that the magazine fits. Then quickly drop the empty magazine from the gun,, and replace it with the loaded magazine brought from home.

When examining a gun at a gun store, you should never take it out of the sight of the salesman. That should be a mandatory rule.

 

[loneryder]

https://people.com/kentucky-man-kil...identally-shoots-manipulating-firearm-8673317

I knew him. He was one of my former students. He was shot and killed when another customer in a gun shop was manipulating a firearm and it discharged. I saw in another story the case was taken before a grand jury but the shooter was not indicted. I haven’t heard any further details if it was a gun the shooter carried in or if he was examining one from the store inventory, so I don’t know how a live round found it’s way into the gun.

I’ve never been present when someone has had an unintended discharge, but I know it has happened at gun shows I’ve attended. I’m not sure what you can do to prevent being a victim of this except perhaps to be ultra-vigilant about watching where other people point their muzzles.

It goes without saying this wouldn’t have ended in tragedy had the gun been pointed in a safe direction.

Gun shows in Va. require any gun you bring in to have a thick zip tie through the action to keep it from doing anything.

I have a friend that was shot in the liver at a gun store in Dallas area. He was talking to the owner and a large caliber pistol discharged in the back room and came through the wall and hit him. He almost died. I believe he owns half that gun store now. It was a young guy messing with a pistol.

 

[JavierH19]

Whenever I'd bring my gun into the store I double checked it to be clear before leaving the house. I can't fathom being mentally challenged enough to say it kindly to bring a loaded gun into a store and start messing with it. That man should be charged with something. this is beyond negligence or an accident.