Debate Magazine

Arkansas Shooting Death - Just an Accident - No Charges

Posted on the 25 April 2013 by Mikeb302000
Local news reports
Authorities in Ouachita County have ruled a weekend fatal shooting at a turkey camp to be accidental.
Deputies were called Sunday after 36-year-old Jeremy Owens of Beebe was shot. Deputies spoke with 38-year-old Harley R. Brittain, also of Beebe, who was taking Owens to a hospital.
Brittain told deputies that he and Owens arrived at the camp and that he accidentally shot Owens in the leg with a .40 caliber handgun. Brittain explained that the weapon lodged between two seats in their vehicle and it discharged as he tried to retrieve it.
Brittain acknowledged to deputies that he'd been drinking but Prosecutor Ian Vickery says Arkansas law doesn't prohibit being around firearms while intoxicated. Vickery says he's convinced the death was accidental.
Whaat??? "Arkansas law doesn't prohibit being around firearms while intoxicated." Not only that, drunk or not, treating gross negligence like a simple accident is wrong.  But, what can you expext from a hillbilly state like Arkansas.
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