A teenager was accidentally shot and killed by his own father during a target practice session on a gun range in Sarasota, Florida, on Sunday July 3.
The 14-year-old victim, named in the sheriff's office statement as Stephen Brumby, was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, Brumby's father William was positioned at the last shooting lane with a solid wall on one side at the time of the incident.
"After firing a round, the spent shell casing struck the wall causing it to deflect and fall into the back of Mr. Brumby’s shirt. Brumby then used his right hand, which was holding the handgun, in an attempt to remove the casing. While doing so, he inadvertently pointed the firearm directly behind him and accidentally fired. The round struck his 14-year-old son, Stephen." the statement reads.
Mr Brumby, 64, said he had taken his son to the Florida range to teach him how to be safe around guns but admitted he himself had committed an "operating error" which had claimed his life
"The gun didn’t kill my boy. I did. Every round in the gun is your responsibility. When it fires you need to stand to account for it. That’s what I’ve spent the last two days doing, accounting for my operating error."
Mr Brumby said that all seven of his children were taught gun safety because the family had weapons for self-defence at home.
"We wanted our kids to be aware of guns. I wanted them to be comfortable around them and understand them."
He has been told he will not face charges because it was an accident. "It was a very freak accident. I made a mistake." he added.
The full statement issued by Sarasota County (FL) Sheriff's Office yesterday, July 4:
"SCSO is continuing to investigate the Accidental Shooting that occurred Sundayafternoon at approximately 3:15, at High NoonGun Range, 4583 Bee Ridge Road, in Sarasota.
The victim, who was transported to Sarasota Memorial Hospital and later died as a result of his injuries, has been identified as 14-year-old Stephen J. Brumby, DOB 11/02/01, of Sarasota.
Based on witness statements as well as video obtained from inside the business, detectives determined that Brumby died as a result of an accidental gunshot by his father, William C. Brumby, DOB 06/02/52.
William Brumby was positioned in the last shooting lane where there was a solid wall on his right-hand side. After firing a round, the spent shell casing struck the wall causing it to deflect and fall into the back of Mr. Brumby’s shirt. Brumby then used his right hand, which was holding the handgun, in an attempt to remove the casing. While doing so, he inadvertently pointed the firearm directly behind him and accidently fired. The round struck his 14-year-old son, Stephen. Mr. Brumby was also in the company of his 24-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter at the time of the incident. Neither were injured.
At this time there are no charges pending against Mr. Brumby. The investigation is ongoing"
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