Local news reports
An accidental shooting was reported this morning in the 100 block of Rosebud Road in Marshall.
According to the Harrison County Sheriff's Office, Larry Watkins stated that he accidentally shot his wife in the abdomen.
"Upon arrival, Marshall EMT found a white female
in a bedroom with a gunshot wound through her stomach and side,"
Lieutenant Jay Webb informed in a press release. "Her husband, Larry
Watkins, stated he was allegedly placing a loaded 7.65 MM rifle in the
gun case and it discharged, one time striking his wife, who was standing
in the closet. When deputies arrived, the gun and case were on the bed
in the master bedroom."
Webb said the wife was transported to the local hospital and is in stable condition.
"At this time, it appears that her injuries are
not life threatening, however severe," he said. “This case is continuing
to be investigated and an interview will be conducted with the victim,
when she is able."
The real problem here is that we don't take so-called accidental shootings seriously enough. ANY misuse of a gun should be taken seriously, but when it results in injury or death there should be no question or hesitation.
In this case there is no question who is responsible. It was either an accident, as has been reported, or something worse. In either case the guilty, bumbling gun owner should be charged appropriately and disarmed.
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