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Judi Lynn

(160,516 posts)
Tue May 19, 2015, 01:58 AM May 2015

Boy shoots through window, kills friend trying to wake him

Source: Associated Press

Boy shoots through window, kills friend trying to wake him
| May 18, 2015 | Updated: May 18, 2015 8:54pm

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Montana boy startled at being awakened in the middle of the night fired a shot through his bedroom window and killed the 15-year-old friend who had been knocking and throwing pebbles at his window, police said Monday.

Billings police officers found the teen with a gunshot wound to his head early Sunday, and he died at a hospital a short time later. Police identified the victim as Mackeon Schulte, the Billings Gazette reported.

Schulte and another boy were spending the night together and showed up at their friend's house about 2:30 a.m. Sunday, according to a statement by Billings Police Chief Rich St. John released Monday.

The two knocked on their friend's window and threw pebbles in an attempt to wake him, St. John said.


Read more: http://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Investigation-ongoing-in-shooting-death-of-6270457.php

101 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Boy shoots through window, kills friend trying to wake him (Original Post) Judi Lynn May 2015 OP
Stupid fucking guns. SoapBox May 2015 #1
You know, it seems to me that... NiceTryGuy May 2015 #2
paranoid idiots do not make the best decisions Skittles May 2015 #4
amen. Sorry, but guns ARE the problem. secondwind May 2015 #6
I agree Canoe52 May 2015 #13
why are u apologizing Romeo.lima333 May 2015 #23
There is a distinct and relevant difference between expressions of apology and expressions of sorrow LanternWaste May 2015 #56
i wasnt asking you. Romeo.lima333 May 2015 #58
Quite true! Guns are quick, no time for second or third thoughts. They allow a knee jerk reaction RKP5637 May 2015 #52
too many stupid people with guns ... secondwind May 2015 #7
I did that more than a few times as a teenager BrotherIvan May 2015 #10
bump in the night--shoot kiri May 2015 #17
I thought the same thing... KansDem May 2015 #53
No, the gun is the problem. SheilaT May 2015 #16
If he didn't have a gun - surprise! Everybody is still alive!! Elmer S. E. Dump May 2015 #29
no, we are changing our way of life to accommodate guns samsingh May 2015 #51
Yeah, the stupid gun in the hands of ann--- May 2015 #55
Stupid fucking parents letting their CHILD have a loaded stupid fucking gun. cui bono May 2015 #100
... shenmue May 2015 #3
That's appalling nt Momgonepostal May 2015 #5
Proper secured storage is a good thing. ManiacJoe May 2015 #8
Agreed, proper storage in that case.... daleanime May 2015 #11
People who are paranoid want the gun right at hand. Binkie The Clown May 2015 #14
And if they can't do that they shouldn't be allowed to have guns. Elmer S. E. Dump May 2015 #31
If only there had been a good guy with a gun near by to save the day... Electric Monk May 2015 #9
The shooter was the good guy... Human101948 May 2015 #19
Your post is in serious need of a sarcasm indication. Paladin May 2015 #26
Whenever I see a stupid comment like that I look at their profile and sure enough! Elmer S. E. Dump May 2015 #32
Perhaps you should read the posts... Human101948 May 2015 #43
Statistics may also be quite indicative... LanternWaste May 2015 #57
No thank you, but thanks for YOUR concern! Elmer S. E. Dump May 2015 #60
Yeah, I figured he was part of the resident Gun Enthusiast cadre. (nt) Paladin May 2015 #44
Well it shows how obstinately you cling to your preconceived notions... Human101948 May 2015 #61
Your post #19 on this thread justified all my notions about you. (nt) Paladin May 2015 #63
Sorry if my attempt at humor was not obvious... Human101948 May 2015 #66
I got it right away, and I've seen some of your gungeon posts, and you're not a gun nut. Electric Monk May 2015 #71
Thanks for paying attention! Human101948 May 2015 #73
Yeah, about that, you failed pretty hard this time. Sorry to break it to you. nt Electric Monk May 2015 #72
I gave a clear indication that a sarcasm notice was needed for post #19. Paladin May 2015 #75
Then learn how to look for sarcasm without flashing lights pointing it out. DisgustipatedinCA May 2015 #94
Sarcasm alerts are ALWAYS a good idea on non-serious gun posts. Paladin May 2015 #97
Shouldn't this be some kind of murder charge? joshcryer May 2015 #12
Maybe he thought it was a zombie apocalypse, Binkie The Clown May 2015 #15
Did you notice he was 15? lostnfound May 2015 #18
When I was 12 my 13 year old neighbor shot at me. joshcryer May 2015 #20
You are lucky to be alive, this boy's friend is not. Beacool May 2015 #81
At that age, judgment isn't a strong suit. then 15 y.o. shouldnt have guns Romeo.lima333 May 2015 #24
We had better get used to this DFW May 2015 #21
Because an armed society is such a polite society, you know. Novara May 2015 #22
"More people with guns = more gun deaths" is not actually true hack89 May 2015 #35
And gun ownership is also declining jeff47 May 2015 #84
The important point is that gun deaths are declining hack89 May 2015 #85
Actually, it does reflect criminal ownership jeff47 May 2015 #86
I suspect you are right - guns are a steadily declining threat to society hack89 May 2015 #88
I heard that statement years ago, and nearly choke on my laughter. asked the person, "do you niyad May 2015 #65
Always ID your target. ileus May 2015 #25
You would know. Elmer S. E. Dump May 2015 #34
Yes, he probably does Telcontar May 2015 #62
I don't listen to gun lovers for advice. Sorry. They have no worthwhile advice for me. Elmer S. E. Dump May 2015 #64
So we who may disagree with your point are Gun Nuts???????????? DreamSmoker May 2015 #70
Keep believing, Dream Weaver! Elmer S. E. Dump May 2015 #79
Thats it??? That is all you base your point on????? DreamSmoker May 2015 #89
Everything you said is irrelevant to the issue at hand Elmer S. E. Dump May 2015 #93
As I have said angrychair May 2015 #83
What a small mind Telcontar May 2015 #74
I actually have a very large mind/brain and a high IQ. Elmer S. E. Dump May 2015 #78
Right, well on the internet you can be anyone you want Telcontar May 2015 #99
I don't do that. I'm just myself. Everything is real, but the name. Elmer S. E. Dump May 2015 #101
There Shoud Be Charges erpowers May 2015 #27
He will suffer for the rest of his life over this. No need to charge him. lostnfound May 2015 #28
He KILLED SOMEONE. Recklessly by shooting without knowing whom or what he geek tragedy May 2015 #50
Maybe Not erpowers May 2015 #68
That's horrifying lostnfound May 2015 #92
More Good Than Bad erpowers May 2015 #96
ah yes, guns. Javaman May 2015 #30
American values will give all Americans PTSD at some point. mountain grammy May 2015 #36
It is going to be a busy week for teens and guns... Sancho May 2015 #33
Problem is you can control guns better than you can control people. Elmer S. E. Dump May 2015 #38
Maybe.... Sancho May 2015 #39
Was this a Hunting Rifle or kid sleeping with Glock under the pillow? One_Life_To_Give May 2015 #37
Why does that matter? truebluegreen May 2015 #40
Because one wouldn't normally keep a hunting rifle loaded One_Life_To_Give May 2015 #42
Mackeon... Dont call me Shirley May 2015 #41
They shall turn their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into sickles. Elmer S. E. Dump May 2015 #95
I think if you pee your pants when you see something you don't understand then you should not GoneFishin May 2015 #45
But it's in Montana-the wild west where everyone has a gun and always did have one and, and, and... Ford_Prefect May 2015 #46
where were the parents when the 2 boys were "knocking & throwing pebbles" at 2:30 am? wordpix May 2015 #47
How else do you wake your friends in the middle of the night? JustABozoOnThisBus May 2015 #48
I believe it's called a cell phone Politicalboi May 2015 #77
probably asleep. doesn't mean it was okay for the junior gun nut to fire away geek tragedy May 2015 #67
Guns and idiots rarely prove to be a good combination. geek tragedy May 2015 #49
Whatever happened to calling out, "Who's there?" CrispyQ May 2015 #54
Don't you know a window creeper can stab you dead with a slushy straw in .0006420 seconds? alcibiades_mystery May 2015 #59
what ARE Americans so afraid of? MisterP May 2015 #69
The answer is simple, they are afraid of each other. Beacool May 2015 #82
lots of cowards in the "Home of the Brave" Skittles May 2015 #91
Bingo! tabasco May 2015 #98
why is it the desire to have guns for personal protection increases as common sense decreases? yurbud May 2015 #76
Yeah, because that's what anyone would do when someone knocks on their window. Beacool May 2015 #80
What 15 year old secondvariety May 2015 #87
its all about fear olddots May 2015 #90
 

NiceTryGuy

(53 posts)
2. You know, it seems to me that...
Tue May 19, 2015, 02:11 AM
May 2015

the "stupid" gun isn't the problem here. The stupid guy seems to be the problem here.

Canoe52

(2,948 posts)
13. I agree
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:04 AM
May 2015

Stupid guy + stupid gun = stupid death

Stupid guy + no gun = just some stupid

Doesn't take an idiot to see that

 

LanternWaste

(37,748 posts)
56. There is a distinct and relevant difference between expressions of apology and expressions of sorrow
Tue May 19, 2015, 11:39 AM
May 2015

There is a distinct and relevant difference between expressions of apology and expressions of sorrow. It certainly helps to know that difference lest we illustrate ourselves as rather less than clever...

 

Romeo.lima333

(1,127 posts)
58. i wasnt asking you.
Tue May 19, 2015, 11:46 AM
May 2015

but dont u you have some pseudo-intellectual misspelled latin phrase for me on this

RKP5637

(67,104 posts)
52. Quite true! Guns are quick, no time for second or third thoughts. They allow a knee jerk reaction
Tue May 19, 2015, 10:48 AM
May 2015

later regretted.

BrotherIvan

(9,126 posts)
10. I did that more than a few times as a teenager
Tue May 19, 2015, 03:03 AM
May 2015

Went to friends' houses and got them to sneak out. But surprisingly, no one thought to shoot me. That kid was just being a kid and now he's dead. Because some paranoid gun nut brainwashed his son to be a paranoid gun nut and be afraid of every single sound and shadow. Now his son is going to have to live with the guilt for the rest of his life. So which one is the stupid guy?

kiri

(794 posts)
17. bump in the night--shoot
Tue May 19, 2015, 05:17 AM
May 2015

things go bump in the night,
reach right away and shoot with deadly force...

works pretty good against most squirrels





KansDem

(28,498 posts)
53. I thought the same thing...
Tue May 19, 2015, 10:51 AM
May 2015
Went to friends' houses and got them to sneak out

There was even a time or two I got "mugged." Some cretins at my junior high wanted a couple of dollars and put the bite on me. Just a couple of dollars--no big thing. I knew they were assholes and shrugged it off.

Little did I know that some 45 years later I could have pulled my gun and blew him away! And walked!

Times have changed...
 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
16. No, the gun is the problem.
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:18 AM
May 2015

Had he not had a gun nearby he could not have shot and killed his friend. Period.

 

ann---

(1,933 posts)
55. Yeah, the stupid gun in the hands of
Tue May 19, 2015, 11:29 AM
May 2015

a stupid guy. Why would he have a gun nearby and why
would he shoot at a window? Sick gunlovers.

cui bono

(19,926 posts)
100. Stupid fucking parents letting their CHILD have a loaded stupid fucking gun.
Wed May 20, 2015, 12:42 AM
May 2015

This would not have happened without the gun. Who the fuck lets their 15 year old CHILD sleep with a loaded shotgun by their side? Those stupid fucking gun nut parents probably also filled his head with stupid fucking macho ideas and stupid fucking stories about taking out anyone who tries to come in the house.

Now that poor kid has to live with what he did for the rest of his life. All because of the stupid fucking NRA and its stupid fucking supporters.

Binkie The Clown

(7,911 posts)
14. People who are paranoid want the gun right at hand.
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:04 AM
May 2015

People stupid enough to shoot first and ask questions later are too stupid to safely lock a gun up.

The issue isn't secured storage. The issue is guns in the hands of morons. But what can you do, give an IQ test before issuing a gun permit? Right! Like that would ever fly.

No, I agree: Stupid guns are the problem.

Paladin

(28,252 posts)
26. Your post is in serious need of a sarcasm indication.
Tue May 19, 2015, 08:18 AM
May 2015

Either that, or you've got some explaining to do.

 

Elmer S. E. Dump

(5,751 posts)
32. Whenever I see a stupid comment like that I look at their profile and sure enough!
Tue May 19, 2015, 09:15 AM
May 2015

Favorite group: Gun Control & RKBA, 23 posts in the last 90 days (20% of total posts)

 

Human101948

(3,457 posts)
61. Well it shows how obstinately you cling to your preconceived notions...
Tue May 19, 2015, 12:17 PM
May 2015

All of my posts were being attacked by the denizens of the RKBA group. They were just as excited opposed to my posts as commenters in this thread are, though they did bother to read what I posted.

Paladin

(28,252 posts)
75. I gave a clear indication that a sarcasm notice was needed for post #19.
Tue May 19, 2015, 03:38 PM
May 2015

None was forthcoming, so I assumed the post was a serious statement of opinion; Christ knows I've seen worse from pro-gun militants over the years. "Failed pretty hard"? I think not, given the circumstances.

 

DisgustipatedinCA

(12,530 posts)
94. Then learn how to look for sarcasm without flashing lights pointing it out.
Tue May 19, 2015, 06:17 PM
May 2015

Sarcasm happens, and in real life, we don't have emoticons to use for it.

Paladin

(28,252 posts)
97. Sarcasm alerts are ALWAYS a good idea on non-serious gun posts.
Tue May 19, 2015, 07:42 PM
May 2015
Always. I've learned this from years of ugly experience, dealing with humor-challenged gun obsessives. I stand by my prior comments.

joshcryer

(62,269 posts)
12. Shouldn't this be some kind of murder charge?
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:02 AM
May 2015

He's inside his house, he's safe, armed, and can assess. Seems like he'd have to argue he thought the people outside had guns for it to be a castle doctrine rule.

Binkie The Clown

(7,911 posts)
15. Maybe he thought it was a zombie apocalypse,
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:07 AM
May 2015

or that the commies were coming for him, or the UN was coming to take his guns, or that the local chapter of ISIS was gunning for him. Who knows what goes on in the minds of paranoid idiots.

lostnfound

(16,173 posts)
18. Did you notice he was 15?
Tue May 19, 2015, 05:33 AM
May 2015

At that age, judgment isn't a strong suit. Considered old enough to drive a car only if accompanied by an adult, in most states. Because cars are so dangerous.

joshcryer

(62,269 posts)
20. When I was 12 my 13 year old neighbor shot at me.
Tue May 19, 2015, 06:15 AM
May 2015

He was pissed off because I made fun of him over something stupid. Got his gun (he and his dad were avid hunters so he had his own gun), shot at me over his fence. We never discussed it and I never ratted him out (though his dad may have figured it out because he was grounded the next day, I think his dad did bullet counts or just out the gun was discharged).

So I can absolutely appreciate that a kid would make a mistake in judgement. It just seems damn messed up to shoot out a window. We'll have to see what the other kid says about what happened.

DFW

(54,356 posts)
21. We had better get used to this
Tue May 19, 2015, 07:16 AM
May 2015

It's not going to stop.

Not police murdering unarmed citizens, not preventable fatal "accidents" involving firearms.

We'd need a fundamental change in thinking on a national basis, and that's not going to happen. With Fox "News" and National Hate Radio blaring out there 24/7 telling people everything is right with America except for libbruls and our soshalist Kenyan prezzydent, 15 year old kids will continue to keep loaded guns in their bedrooms and sometimes shoot them when they near noises outside the window.

Novara

(5,840 posts)
22. Because an armed society is such a polite society, you know.
Tue May 19, 2015, 07:44 AM
May 2015

Ask the people dealing with the 9 dead biker idiots in Texas, y'all.

More people with guns = more gun deaths. It isn't rocket surgery.

hack89

(39,171 posts)
35. "More people with guns = more gun deaths" is not actually true
Tue May 19, 2015, 09:19 AM
May 2015

gun deaths, along with all violent crime, have been steadily falling for 20 years according to the FBI. We have cut our murder and manslaughter rate in half.

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
84. And gun ownership is also declining
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:20 PM
May 2015

The number of households with at least one gun has dropped over those same 20 years.

So we actually have fewer people with guns. The people that do have guns have more of them.

hack89

(39,171 posts)
85. The important point is that gun deaths are declining
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:22 PM
May 2015

I think that is something both sides of the gun control issue can be happy with.

I would point out that your household statistic does not reflect criminal ownership and use of guns so it probably has less a bearing on gun deaths than you might think.

jeff47

(26,549 posts)
86. Actually, it does reflect criminal ownership
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:28 PM
May 2015

in that criminal ownership is excluded both today and 20 years ago. So unless you're going to argue that massive numbers of criminal "households" did not have guns and now have guns, it isn't enough to reverse the overall decline.

And if you are going to make that claim, you'd have to explain why those criminal "households" aren't jacking up the crime rate. The guns aren't just for decoration.

hack89

(39,171 posts)
88. I suspect you are right - guns are a steadily declining threat to society
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:32 PM
May 2015

and warrants a different look at the issue. When you consider that two thirds of gun deaths are suicides, I suspect that a shift of tactics to mental health with a nationwide anti-suicide campaign would save more lives than any present gun control effort.

niyad

(113,262 posts)
65. I heard that statement years ago, and nearly choke on my laughter. asked the person, "do you
Tue May 19, 2015, 01:32 PM
May 2015

seriously believe that nonsense?" end of conversation about polite societies.

ileus

(15,396 posts)
25. Always ID your target.
Tue May 19, 2015, 08:12 AM
May 2015

That's why it's important to have a good light or weapons mounted light on your home defense firearm.

Safety first...shooting your friends never.

 

Elmer S. E. Dump

(5,751 posts)
34. You would know.
Tue May 19, 2015, 09:18 AM
May 2015

Favorite group: Gun Control & RKBA, 174 posts in the last 90 days (45% of total posts)

DreamSmoker

(841 posts)
70. So we who may disagree with your point are Gun Nuts????????????
Tue May 19, 2015, 02:55 PM
May 2015

I would like an answer.... Not an Attack...
I am a Liberal... I do not agree with your broad statement you post over and over again I guess to make your point..
I believe that Gun Owners have a Moral Responsibility to have and use Guns responsibly.. Most of all Most Gun Owners are not Nuts..
They are responsible.. Crimes committed with Guns are aberrations of our Free Society.. Not the Norm at all..
You may believe its Guns that shoot and Kill Innocent Folks...
I believe it takes a Human to point that Gun and pull that trigger...

 

Elmer S. E. Dump

(5,751 posts)
79. Keep believing, Dream Weaver!
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:02 PM
May 2015

Nobody except police should have handguns. No, most gun owners are NOT responsible people. Now that is JMO!!

DreamSmoker

(841 posts)
89. Thats it??? That is all you base your point on?????
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:36 PM
May 2015

Republicans do the very same as you do...
I am not attacking..
I just do not understand how so many Folks base their views on Feelings and not fact...
Your point is painted with a Huge wide brush..
But you base this on just your opinion with no real Fact..
I say start a Fact hunt.. Start with the History of the Gun...
Why did it even get invented???
Go from there...
Man has killed and Murdered way before any Gun was thought of....
The Gun became what it is because of the Evils of Man committed on others who could not protect themselves..
The United State of America became what it is today because of the Gun..
We would not even be here in this discussion if Guns never existed...

 

Elmer S. E. Dump

(5,751 posts)
93. Everything you said is irrelevant to the issue at hand
Tue May 19, 2015, 06:13 PM
May 2015

I believe if we get rid of guns we will have as many gun deaths as Great Britain. We need to step back from the military society. We need civil society to prevail over the prevalent dangers to society.

angrychair

(8,695 posts)
83. As I have said
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:18 PM
May 2015

I have never owed a gun. I have never been in a situation I would have ever needed one. I have lived a very long time. I have lived all over the country and in some not so nice places but I have never needed a gun. No, by no means do I live a charmed life. Owning a gun is a choice. Killing someone is a choice. By owning a gun you have giving yourself the right to choose if a person lives or dies. No one is "allowed" an opinion of that choice. It violates your "rights". Plus, if I try to take your gun, you'll make the choice to kill me.
 

Elmer S. E. Dump

(5,751 posts)
78. I actually have a very large mind/brain and a high IQ.
Tue May 19, 2015, 03:59 PM
May 2015

I just don't tolerate guns or people with guns.

erpowers

(9,350 posts)
27. There Shoud Be Charges
Tue May 19, 2015, 08:48 AM
May 2015

I doubt there will be charges, but there should be charges. The young man who shot through the window should at least be charge with reckless endangerment, or manslaughter. There was no reason for him to just shoot through a window without even trying to figure out what was happening.

lostnfound

(16,173 posts)
28. He will suffer for the rest of his life over this. No need to charge him.
Tue May 19, 2015, 09:03 AM
May 2015

Assuming he was scared and thought someone was trying to break in. Maybe even half asleep when he did it. I believe in throwing the book at adults who do reckless things, and at young people who intentionally do malicious, selfish, violent or angry things... But kids are inherently reckless and have poor judgment.

He will suffer. If he's a normal kid, he needs counseling, or this will eat him alive or do him in.

No way to undo this tragedy.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
50. He KILLED SOMEONE. Recklessly by shooting without knowing whom or what he
Tue May 19, 2015, 10:38 AM
May 2015

was shooting at.

That's a crime, and at the very least he should be legally barred from ever owning a gun.

erpowers

(9,350 posts)
68. Maybe Not
Tue May 19, 2015, 02:01 PM
May 2015

We have no way of knowing if this kid, especially if he is not punished, will suffer for the rest of his life as a result of this incident. Maybe George Zimmerman is suffering as a result of what he did to Trayvon Martin, but not saying he is suffering. However, he does not seem to be suffering. This kid could be like George Zimmerman. He could come out and say his friend was in the wrong in that he should not have been at his house at such a time, or that his friend could have just called him before he came over to his house. He may even go as far as to say things were just meant to happen that way, or that he has no regrets about the situation in that he thought his friend was trying to break into his house and that his friend would understand.

About ten to twenty years ago a man shot and killed his daughter. She was trying to surprise him by hiding in his closet. I guess he heard sounds, went to get his gun, and shot his daughter before he realized the sounds were not coming from a robber. When he was asked if he felt sorry about the killing he said no. I think he said something like his daughter knew she was not supposed to be in his closet and that even if people could ask her she would say her dad was not in the wrong.

Not everyone feels bad about hurting innocent people. Some people do not feel bad about making mistake even if someone is hurt or killed by their mistake. Some people can move on without any remorse.

lostnfound

(16,173 posts)
92. That's horrifying
Tue May 19, 2015, 05:34 PM
May 2015

I suppose you are right.
I don't much wanna be human today. Pretty wretched world.

erpowers

(9,350 posts)
96. More Good Than Bad
Tue May 19, 2015, 07:13 PM
May 2015

I do not want to leave you on a sad note. I think there are far more good people like you than like the people who hurt people and do not have remorse. The sad part is that we hear very little about the good people who try to help others and do good.

Just to make your day a little better I will leave you with a good update to the story about the elderly man that called 911 because he came home and did not have food at his house. The update to the story is that the 911 operator who answered the call took a detailed list of the things the man needed and went out and bought those things for him. In addition, many people have reached out to help the man. On the CBS Evening News he said one woman sent him six cans of spam. He said that made him feel like he was in heaven.

In another case an elderly woman whose house had been damaged by Hurricane Ike spoke to the local news station about her struggles to fix her house after the hurricane. The next day many people reached out to help the woman fix her house. There are many stories like her story and the story of the elderly man who called 911. Maybe each news station and newspaper should dedicate a section for feel good stories.

http://ktla.com/2015/05/14/elderly-man-with-cancer-calls-911-because-he-has-no-food/

Javaman

(62,520 posts)
30. ah yes, guns.
Tue May 19, 2015, 09:13 AM
May 2015

1 kid dead, 2 kids fucked up for life.

guns.

and I'm delighted to see that it's apparent that the parents were just A-Okay with him having a loaded weapon in his room.

yup, family values.

mountain grammy

(26,619 posts)
36. American values will give all Americans PTSD at some point.
Tue May 19, 2015, 09:33 AM
May 2015

Who needs war when we can kill and traumatize Americans right here at home.

Sancho

(9,067 posts)
33. It is going to be a busy week for teens and guns...
Tue May 19, 2015, 09:18 AM
May 2015

People Control, Not Gun Control

This is my generic response to gun threads where people are shot and killed by the dumb or criminal possession of guns. For the record, I grew up in the South and on military bases. I was taught about firearms as a child, and I grew up hunting, was a member of the NRA, and I still own guns. In the 70’s, I dropped out of the NRA because they become more radical and less interested in safety and training. Some personal experiences where people I know were involved in shootings caused me to realize that anyone could obtain and posses a gun no matter how illogical it was for them to have a gun. Also, easy access to more powerful guns, guns in the hands of children, and guns that weren’t secured are out of control in our society. As such, here’s what I now think ought to be the requirements to possess a gun. I’m not debating the legal language, I just think it’s the reasonable way to stop the shootings. Notice, none of this restricts the type of guns sold. This is aimed at the people who shoot others, because it’s clear that they should never have had a gun.

1.) Anyone in possession of a gun (whether they own it or not) should have a regularly renewed license. If you want to call it a permit, certificate, or something else that's fine.
2.) To get a license, you should have a background check, and be examined by a professional for emotional and mental stability appropriate for gun possession. It might be appropriate to require that examination to be accompanied by references from family, friends, employers, etc. This check is not to subject you to a mental health diagnosis, just check on your superficial and apparent gun-worthyness.
3.) To get the license, you should be required to take a safety course and pass a test appropriate to the type of gun you want to use.
4.) To get a license, you should be over 21. Under 21, you could only use a gun under direct supervision of a licensed person and after obtaining a learner’s license. Your license might be restricted if you have children or criminals or other unsafe people living in your home. (If you want to argue 18 or 25 or some other age, fine. 21 makes sense to me.)
5.) If you possess a gun, you would have to carry a liability insurance policy specifically for gun ownership - and likely you would have to provide proof of appropriate storage, security, and whatever statistical reasons that emerge that would drive the costs and ability to get insurance.
6.) You could not purchase a gun or ammunition without a license, and purchases would have a waiting period.
7.) If you possess a gun without a license, you go to jail, the gun is impounded, and a judge will have to let you go (just like a DUI).
8.) No one should carry an unsecured gun (except in a locked case, unloaded) when outside of home. Guns should be secure when transporting to a shooting event without demonstrating a special need. Their license should indicate training and special carry circumstances beyond recreational shooting (security guard, etc.). If you are carrying your gun while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you lose your gun and license.
9.) If you buy, sell, give away, or inherit a gun, your license information should be recorded.
10.) If you accidentally discharge your gun, commit a crime, get referred by a mental health professional, are served a restraining order, etc., you should lose your license and guns until reinstated by a serious relicensing process.

Most of you know that a license is no big deal. Besides a driver’s license you need a license to fish, operate a boat, or many other activities. I realize these differ by state, but that is not a reason to let anyone without a bit of sense pack a semiautomatic weapon in public, on the roads, and in schools. I think we need to make it much harder for some people to have guns.

Sancho

(9,067 posts)
39. Maybe....
Tue May 19, 2015, 10:07 AM
May 2015

but we have a history and familiarity with permits and licenses - and it's not as big a 2nd amendment issue.

It's one way to get at the gun problem without having to fight SC battles about the "types of guns" and "what's a militia", etc.

One_Life_To_Give

(6,036 posts)
42. Because one wouldn't normally keep a hunting rifle loaded
Tue May 19, 2015, 10:16 AM
May 2015

So did the kid have to get up, go to the gun rack. Take the rifle and load it before turning to face the window, etc. Or was a 15yr old sleeping with his hand on a loaded pistol ready to shoot?

Most people/kids I knew growing up had some type of rifle in the house. My more rural cousins all had deer rifles stored in Gun Racks and never kept loaded. It takes time and forethought to go thru the process of getting the gun and loading it. While sleeping with your hand on a loaded weapon invites a reflexive reaction that can't happen when you have to get up and then pick up/load.

Dont call me Shirley

(10,998 posts)
41. Mackeon...
Tue May 19, 2015, 10:09 AM
May 2015


Someday we will turn our guns into gardening tools. I will plant flowers, vegetables, herbs and trees for you.

GoneFishin

(5,217 posts)
45. I think if you pee your pants when you see something you don't understand then you should not
Tue May 19, 2015, 10:25 AM
May 2015

have a loaded gun with you.

Ford_Prefect

(7,887 posts)
46. But it's in Montana-the wild west where everyone has a gun and always did have one and, and, and...
Tue May 19, 2015, 10:26 AM
May 2015

Not North Carolina, or Massachusetts, or Ohio, or somewhere else in "civilized" America where guns are handled responsibly...

Yeah right, they don't have these kinds of problems where civilized gun owners are the only ones who can get hold of one, or buy as much ammunition as they can carry away...

Make no mistake: it is always about the gun and who can get hold of one; and who can make a profit scaring clients into buying yet more guns, ammunition, or "gun culture items"; and who authorizes and regulates selecting targets of hate and fear.

Just because you are a careful gun owner means nothing to those who must have one for all the reasons you believe you would not. The cult of the weapon and its mythology have far more power than any reasoned approach will ever sustain. The cult needs to be de-mystified, of not exorcised.

wordpix

(18,652 posts)
47. where were the parents when the 2 boys were "knocking & throwing pebbles" at 2:30 am?
Tue May 19, 2015, 10:26 AM
May 2015

That certainly would have awakened me. The parents didn't hear a thing? Or were they away?

JustABozoOnThisBus

(23,338 posts)
48. How else do you wake your friends in the middle of the night?
Tue May 19, 2015, 10:34 AM
May 2015

If the bedroom is on the first floor, knock on the window. If on the second floor, throw pebbles.

Doing both makes no sense.



Leaving a loaded gun in the hands of a 15-year-old, not too smart.

 

geek tragedy

(68,868 posts)
49. Guns and idiots rarely prove to be a good combination.
Tue May 19, 2015, 10:37 AM
May 2015

Hope this murdering little moron enjoys humping his guns for the rest of his life.

CrispyQ

(36,457 posts)
54. Whatever happened to calling out, "Who's there?"
Tue May 19, 2015, 10:58 AM
May 2015

I can't imagine living my life in this kind of moment to moment fear. Cuz you know, that when someone is tossing pebbles against your window they want to do you harm. Good fucking grief. A boy dead cuz of this madness.

 

alcibiades_mystery

(36,437 posts)
59. Don't you know a window creeper can stab you dead with a slushy straw in .0006420 seconds?
Tue May 19, 2015, 11:53 AM
May 2015

Gun nut shitheads told me so.

Fire away, first and immediately. Yelling "Who's there" only gives the perps additional microseconds to aim the slushy straw!

MisterP

(23,730 posts)
69. what ARE Americans so afraid of?
Tue May 19, 2015, 02:03 PM
May 2015

the killers of Yoshihiro Hattori and Renisha McBride kept insisting they were the threatened ones
I'm so white I'm German and I've been given crap for walking a dog in my own neighborhood--"what are you doing?!" and that's in an old burb without an HOA enforcer in a golf cart making sure only residents use the sidewalks or whatever

Beacool

(30,247 posts)
80. Yeah, because that's what anyone would do when someone knocks on their window.
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:07 PM
May 2015

I guess that the thought of asking who was there never crossed his mind.



May the boy who died, rest in peace.

secondvariety

(1,245 posts)
87. What 15 year old
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:31 PM
May 2015

sleeps with a loaded gun by his bed? That level of paranoia is usually reserved for adults.

 

olddots

(10,237 posts)
90. its all about fear
Tue May 19, 2015, 04:54 PM
May 2015

the gun was there to "protect " the kid from fear .I imagine most non hunting guns are owned by people to protect themselves from fear that is pushed down all of our throats .

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