Police are human and they make mistakes too. Unfortunately, lapses in judgment can be detrimental. Why should this come as a surprise? Hillary Clinton is critical of the GM bail out, yet she is looking for help to reduce her campaign deficit. Why expect better judgment in corporate CEOs then in politicians? Or police?
Three men, including Edward Fleury, a Pelham, Massachusetts police chief, were indicted Thursday on involuntary manslaughter counts. Charges arise from a gun-fair death of Christopher Bizilj, an 8-year-old who accidentally shot himself in the head with an Uzi. Prosecutors claim that the boy should not have been allowed to handle the uzi. The fair had promised certified instructors in an advertisement, but District Attorney William Bennett said the child was supervised by an uncertified 15-year-old.
Edward Fleury allegedly told the gun owners that children could legally use the Uzi.
Christopher apparently lost control of the 9mm micro submachine gun as it recoiled. At the time, he was shooting at a pumpkin at the Machine Gun Shoot and Firearms Expo at the Westfield Sportsman's Club. Pelham Police Chief Edward Fleury was charged because he owns the sponsor of the gun fair, COP Firearms & Training. Carl Guiffre of Hartford, Conn., and Domenico Spano, of New Milford, Conn., also were indicted. Involuntary manslaughter carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence, but the term could be five years or less for someone with no prior convictions. Thomas Drechsler, an attorney for the club, extends "deepest sympathy" to the Bizilj family, but denies any wrongdoing.
All suspects are to be presumed innocent.
Update 8-16-11: In January, a Hamden Superior Court jury found Edward B. Fleury innocent of involuntary manslaughter in the death of the eight year- old boy who shot himself. If convicted, he could have faced up to 20 years in jail.
Update 8-16-11: In January, a Hamden Superior Court jury found Edward B. Fleury innocent of involuntary manslaughter in the death of the eight year- old boy who shot himself. If convicted, he could have faced up to 20 years in jail.
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10 comments:
not real cool judgment letting a kid shoot one of these.
Men and their toys. When will they ever learn?
Bertha
Idiots come in all genders.
But who would let a 8 year old fire a gun?
As Dr. Phil would say ... "what were you thinkin'?"
We reported on this when it happened. Very sad story.
I didnt understand why the father allowed him to fire a gun by himself. Just doesnt make any sense.
Stupid is as stupid does.
An automatic submachine gun is just too much gun for an 8 year old. Stupid. Now, as to who would let an 8 year old fire a gun? Many.
Now, I will admit 8 years old is at the early cusp of proper firearms training, but not to early if the kid is physically and mentally prepared to begin their instruction in arms. Some kids are ready as early as 8. I was not, I started at 9. But my 9 year old child has not yet displayed the required maturity (although she does already have her own gun in the safe, waiting, as an inducement). But I know of 10 year olds who are already quite proficient. Just depends.
But 8 with an automatic submachine gun? Damn, he must be a member of MENSA!
But even if he was president of MENSA, with a .22 rifle, not a 9mm automatic submachine gun.
Stupid. Just stupid.
L.S.
L.S. great to see that you are alive and well. As Legal Pub resident expert on fire arms, your opinions are very much valued.
Idiots with guns = killa
Update 8-16-11: In January, a Hamden Superior Court jury found Edward B. Fleury innocent of involuntary manslaughter in the death of the eight year- old boy who shot himself. If convicted, he could have faced up to 20 years in jail.
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