From the New York Post: "Oklahoma man hit with manslaughter charge after stray bullet from target practice kills woman sitting on porch on Christmas." The basic facts are that Cody Adams was testing out a new handgun he had purchased, shooting at a target on his property, when a round apparently ricocheted off some debris and subsequently struck a woman sitting on her porch. The distance is not mentioned in the article, but "[i]nvestigators determined the bullet entered Phelps’ upper right arm and traveled into her chest, consistent with a steep downward angle." He has been charged with first-degree manslaughter. Just a reminder to be aware of your target and what is beyond it, pick a place where the bullets will be stopped by a berm, hillside, or some other backstop, and avoid shooting at debris or rocks that could cause a ricochet.
I don't expect he'll have a Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteAs well as what is in front of the target. You are responsible for what that bullet touches until it stops.
ReplyDeleteThis is why the charge of manslaughter exists, though first-degree would depend on the wording of the law.
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