GUNS IN THE NEWS--February 3, 2004

[MrBenchley]

As CO Liberal sez:
Please try to adhere to the following voluntary guidelines, in order that we can have an orderly discussion of gun-related news topics:
1 - Feel free to add any CURRENT stories to this thread by replying to this message. In order to be considered current, stories should have been originally posted on the Internet within the previous 24 hours, or provide follow-up to a story that was previously posted on the J/PS board. On Mondays (since many people do not log in to DU over the weekend), stories can be posted from Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.
2 - Both pro-gun and anti-gun stories, editorials, and press releases are welcome in this thread, as long as they're current. Please do not post links to items from a few years back that support your position.
3 - Bear in mind that any links to extremely right-wing sites (such as Newsmax, CNS, or the Washington Times) or intentionally pro-gun or pro-control sites (such as the NRA or the Brady Campaign) are not considered reliable sources by many DU-ers. If at all possible, try to find a link for your story from a more mainstream source, such as a general-circulation newspaper or magazine site. If you choose to use a slanted site, be prepared for any negative feedback you may receive.
4 - Do not change story titles. In other words, if the Oskosh Gazette's web site runs a story titled "Two Killed in Holdup", the title of your message should read "Two Killed in Holdup". Don't change it to "Gun Owner Kills Two People", or anything else that changes the meaning of the story.
5 - If it's not clear from the title where the story occurred, add the city, state, or country in parentheses after the title.
6 - Comment on a story by replying to that story.
7 - Please direct your comments to the story, rather than attacking the person posting the story or any person responding to the story. In accordance with DU rules, any messages that appear to be personal attacks against another DU-er or violations of any other DU rule will be reported to the moderators.
8 - If you object to these guidelines, do everyone else a favor and go to another thread.

[MrBenchley]

1. Weapons sold at Don's Guns tied to crimes (IN)

The corrupt gun industry....

"Three Hoosiers were swept up in a federal weapons-trafficking investigation Monday that again spotlighted firearms originally sold by Don's Guns and Galleries in Indianapolis.
The cases involved "straw purchases" of at least 28 guns from Don's, deals in which prosecutors say a person bought guns legally and resold them to people barred from possessing firearms.
The U.S. Attorney in Chicago said 11 of those guns were recovered by Chicago police during criminal investigations.
The charges were part of an investigation that turned up a dozen cases, involving as many as 16 suspects and the illegal selling and buying of more than 135 guns. Federal officials said they expected to have all 16 in custody by late Monday."

http://www.indystar.com/articles/5/117402-2975-009.html

[demsrule4life]

3. Are you defending this program now?

"All the charges were part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an anti-crime program that pursues more federal gun prosecutions in order to curb violent crime." We all know this program does nothing but pad the stats for the corrupt repug run DOJ.

[CO Liberal]

7. This Seems to Drive Home The Point.....

...that there are some crooked gun dealers out there. They need to be weeded out by whatever means works.

[demsrule4life]

9. Maybe I need a reading comprehension test

because I sure didn't see anybody from "Dons" gunshop being busted. Three were busted for strawman purchases and since the owner of Dons has his paperwork together the guns could be traced and the criminals busted.

[MrBenchley]

12. It also seems to drive home the point

that more scrutiny of gun dealers is needed, not less...and that an exemption from liability law for this corrupt industry is wrong in every way.

[demsrule4life]

13. By chance did you drop

your hat?

[slackmaster]

17. Exempting the gun industry from liability for criminal misuse of guns

Wouldn't have hampered this bust in any way.

[RoeBear]

29. "It also seems to drive home the point"

that hamburgers can be greasy.

Makes as much sense.

[MrBenchley]

2. Gun Allegedly Pulled In Road Rage Incident (MO)

"Two men in their 20s were driving home from work when they said they were cut off by a white sport utility vehicle, which stopped in front of them. The men said a black SUV pulled up along the driver's side of their car and a woman inside started yelling.
The men said they then realized a man driving the white SUV apparently knew the woman in the other vehicle. Then, the man in the white vehicle pulled out a gun, according to the victims.
"I was afraid there would be bullets coming through the window," one victim said. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040203/lo_kmbc/1986979

[slackmaster]

18. Glad to hear nobody got hurt

I do NOT mean to condone the apparent criminal brandishment of a weapon in any way, but, maybe that woman will think twice before yelling at a stranger during a traffic altercation.

[MrBenchley]

4. Fired Utah Man Returns With Gun, Kills 1

"PLEASANT GROVE, Utah - A man fired from his job came back with a gun and killed a co-worker Monday, then shot himself in an office restroom, police said.
The gunman, whose name was not immediately released, was seriously wounded.
Collimar said the gunman made threats against employees after being told he would be fired. He left the building and returned with a gun, threatening his supervisor, authorities said. A shot was fired during a struggle, but no one was hit.
The man then went outside, chased a group of about eight employees and fired several shots, hitting the victim, police said."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040202/ap_on_re_us/workplace_shooting_2

[MrBenchley]

5. Cop Reportedly Shot While Responding To Call (MI)

Another gun owner defends himself against an armed intruder...

"A Detroit police officer was reportedly shot while responding to a call Monday night on the city's east side.
When the officer arrived at the house in the 14000 block of Parkgrove, someone inside shot him in the hand, Local 4 reported.
Police arrested five people, but have not determined who the shooter was, according to the station's reports. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040203/lo_wdiv/1987169

[MrBenchley]

6. Local Woman Found Shot To Death In Her Home (NC)

"It happened Sunday night at a home on Linville Road. Investigators said the victim, 43-year-old Sharon Annette Snow, was found dead inside her home. Police said she was shot. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040202/lo_wxii/1985873

[CO Liberal]

8. Man shot dead in case of road rage, police say (CA)

If more and more people get CCW permits, you can count on seeing more stories liek this. - Wayne

* * * * *

Man shot dead in case of road rage, police say

By STAFF WRITER

OAKLAND -- A case of apparent road rage early Monday in East Oakland left a 30-year-old man shot to death and two friends wounded, police said.

<snip>

Homicide Sgt. Lou Cruz said the man who was killed and his friends were "hanging out," driving around in a car that apparently cut off another vehicle, angering the occupants.

Mean stares and harsh words were exchanged between the occupants of both cars before the car that had been cut off left the area. The men who were later shot stayed in the area in their car.

<more>

http://www.theargusonline.com/Stories/0,1413,83~1971~1932133,00.html

[Romulus]

19. sorry, CO

Hasn't happened in Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Connecticut, to name a few heavily populated states with fair-issue systems.

Edited to add:
I doubt the shooter in the story was screened and registered with the California State Police, as CCW holders nationwide are screened and registered with their states' law enforcement agencies.

Edited to add:
You are right on one level -if any loser could go to 7-11 and buy a handgun and carry it in public, there just might be more shootings. But that situation is not the same as the training/background check/registration process involved in issuing CCW permits.

To be honest, the VA CCW training I had scared me out of carrying because of the various criminal and civil liability issues involved. People in the class were incredulous that they couldn't shoot someone who was stealing their car in the middle of the night. Everyone left the class with a shocked look on their face after being told of the possible jail time involved with even innapropriate brandishing. The only times I carried from that point on were during nighttime travel, highway journeys, and while backpacking.

MD, where I live now, is a duty-to-retreat state, so even if I had a CCW I am legally obligated to try to run away from danger before using deadly force (except in my home). If I were to get a CCW here, I wouldn't carry unless my life really depended on it.

[demsrule4life]

21. Yep, in CA movie stars like Sean Penn can get a CCW

but good old honest working folks can't.

http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/story/8202858p-9134003c.html

[slackmaster]

26. Yes, and under a fair-issue system Mr. Penn wouldn't qualify

Because he has a criminal record that includes domestic violence IIRC.

[CO Liberal]

39. I Look Upon CCW As a First Step

Once the gun lobby succeeds in getting CCW in all states, they'll go for a loosening of the requirements, claiming they're "depriving citizens of their rights".

[slackmaster]

42. Slippery Slope Fallacy

Goose, gander, pot, kettle, etc.

Let us know when fair-issue or shall-issue laws actually result in a public safety issue.

[CO Liberal]

43. By Then It May Be Too Late.....

...for the people who are killed.

[slackmaster]

44. That's what all Slippery Slopers say

Including the pro-RKBA ones who say we'll all be helpless sheep to be slaughtered at the Evil Gummint's discretion.

[slackmaster]

24. How likely is it that the shooter was legally qualified to possess a gun?

Much less obtain a concealed-carry permit under California's discretionary-issue system?

If more and more people get CCW permits, you can count on seeing more stories liek this. - Wayne

I'm still waiting for the slightest inkling of evidence to support that statement. Please let us know right away when you see it, CO.

[CO Liberal]

10. Police: Wife shot husband in bed (FL)

Yet another family kept safe by a gun - NOT!!!! And I'm sure the people who patronized the woman's day-care service are happy to know there was a gun there... - Wayne

Police: Wife shot husband in bed

Officers are baffled as to why Kenean Bailey would kill her husband, a church elder. She runs a day care out of her home.

By SHANNON COLAVECCHIO-VAN SICKLER, Times Staff Writer
Published February 3, 2004

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAMPA - Around 7 a.m. Monday, Kenean Bailey shot her husband in the head as he lay in their bed, police say. Then she walked to the small apartment attached to the back of their home and woke her daughter, Terri, 35.

"I shot your father," she said.

Police arrested Mrs. Bailey, 57, and charged her with first-degree murder Monday, after her husband, 61-year-old Glenn E. Bailey, died at Tampa General Hospital.

She is being held without bail at the Hillsborough County jail.

Detectives are struggling to figure out what prompted the child care operator and former teacher to shoot her husband, a longtime elder at Palma Ceia Christian Church, in their home on S Hubert Avenue.

<more>

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/02/03/Hillsborough/Police__Wife_shot_hus.shtml

[CO Liberal]

11. Three people shot to death in Tioga (LA)

Yet another restraining order that didn't go far enough. AFAIC, anyone with a RO needs to surrender all their guns, and have them kept in storage as long as the RO is in effect. - Wayne

* * * * *

Three people shot to death in Tioga

The Associated Press
2/2/2004, 4:01 p.m. CT

TIOGA, La. (AP) — A domestic fight was blamed Monday for the shooting deaths of three people in this town north of Alexandria.

The victims, two women and a man, were found in the back yard of a residence by a sheriff's deputy shortly after a 911 call from the home reporting a disturbance, the Rapides Parish sheriff's office said.

<snip>

The man had been served with a restraining order last week, investigators said.

<more>

http://www.nola.com/newsflash/louisiana/index.ssf?/base/news-7/1075759750147690.xml

[MrBenchley]

14. Police: Man Jumps Out 8th-Floor Window After Double Shooting (MO)

"One man is dead and two men are in hospitals after a botched robbery attempt early Tuesday morning, police said.
Police said that two men knocked on the door of an apartment in the 1200 block of East Linwood just after midnight. One of the men was armed with a gun. When the victim opened the door. The suspects forced their way inside.
Investigators said that the victim struggled with the unarmed robber and the other robber opened fire, hitting the victim and accidentally killing his partner. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040203/lo_kmbc/1987229

[MrBenchley]

15. Man Kills 3 in Phoenix Apartment Shooting

"PHOENIX - A man shot five people in an apparent revenge attack at a Phoenix apartment complex, killing three, authorities said.
Police were searching for 24-year-old Eric D. Boyston, who fled the scene after the Monday shooting, said police spokeswoman Sgt. Lauri Williams.
Three people were killed inside — two men in their 20s and a woman in her 60s, Williams said. The suspect's 60-year-old grandmother was wounded. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040203/ap_on_re_us/fatal_shootings_1

[MrBenchley]

16. Deputies Arrest Man In Fatal Weekend Shooting (NM)

"Officials said they collared Glen Benavidas about 3 a.m. Monday in connection to a shooting that happened Saturday following a fight at Tom Tenorio Park near Coors and Arenal.
Investigators said Benavidez shot Gilbert Houston, 21, after the fight. Another 14-year-old was also wounded in the shooting, police said. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=375&ncid=375&e=4&u=/ibsys/20040202/lo_koat/1986021

[Romulus]

20. don't forget this part

"Investigators believed the gunfight was gang-related. Benavidez is being held on a cash only, $1 million bond.

[MrBenchley]

22. And what difference does THAT make

seeing that the corrupt gun industry is quite happy to arm gang members.

[slackmaster]

25. Comment hard to fathom

seeing that the corrupt gun industry is quite happy to arm gang members.

Why would they do that?

[MrBenchley]

23. 2 men sought in bank robbery (MD)

"FBI officials in Baltimore sought help from the public yesterday in identifying two men who robbed a Wachovia Bank branch Saturday morning, in what authorities described as a brazen holdup, and was captured on surveillance cameras - including a sharp image of one of the bandits.
Authorities said the men, each displaying a semi-automatic handgun, held up the Wachovia branch at 1726 E. Northern Parkway. While one of the robbers held the bank's security guard at gunpoint, the other pointed his handgun and demanded cash."

http://www.sunspot.net/news/yahoo/bal-md.robbery03feb03,0,1183161.story?coll=bal-newsaol-headlines

[slackmaster]

27. It should be a snap to solve this case

Maryland has ballistic fingerprinting.

Oh yeah, the gun has to be actually fired for that to kick in.

[Romulus]

30. don't forget the handgun registry

Now the MSP just needs to go interview every listed semi-auto handgun owner to get to the bottom of this bank robbery. :eyes:

[MrBenchley]

28. Police Shoot Woman After Shots Fired During Traffic Stop (OK)

"Oklahoma City police shot and killed a woman after officers reported being fired upon during a traffic stop early Tuesday morning.
An officer said he pulled over a car on Interstate 44. But when he approached the vehicle, the officer said three people inside the car began shooting at him.
The driver of the car sped away and stopped in a neighborhood yard, and the occupants tried to flee on foot.
Officers said they fired at the trio, killing one woman. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040203/lo_koco/1987465

[MrBenchley]

31. Competency Ruling Expected For Teen Accused Of Killing Relative (OH)

"A local teenager could learn Tuesday whether he's competent to stand trial in connection with the murder of his own grandfather.
According to police, Michael Meridy shot Edgar Pillow, 78, to death in November inside the victim's home in College Hill. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=410&ncid=410&e=3&u=/ibsys/20040203/lo_wlwt/1987471

[MrBenchley]

32. Armed Robbery Concerns Pasadena Mall Shoppers (TX)

"An elderly Deer Park woman walking toward a mall in Pasadena said a man threatened her with a gun, pushed her to the ground and robbed her at gunpoint Saturday night.
News2Houston said the crime has other shoppers concerned about their safety. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=320&ncid=320&e=2&u=/ibsys/20040203/lo_kprc/1987262

[MrBenchley]

33. Jury selection begins in 15-year-old triple murder (VA)

"ABINGDON, Va. -- Jury selection began Monday in the case of a former mayor accused with another man in a 15-year-old shooting of a Pocahontas family.
Former Pocahontas Mayor Charles W. Gilmore, 73, and his alleged triggerman Walter L. "Pete" Church, 49, face capital murder charges in federal court in the 1989 slayings of Robert Davis, Una Mae Davis and her 14-year-old son, Bobby Hopewell Jr.
Prosecutors contend Gilmore hired Church and another man, Sam Ealy, to kill Robert Davis. They said Gilmore worried that Davis, who assisted the mayor in his drug operation, might help investigators bring charges against him. "

http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-sou--coaltownslayings0202feb02,0,3684135.story?coll=dp-headlines-virginia

[MrBenchley]

34. Pregnant Woman Shot In Face During Argument (KS)

"A pregnant woman in Leavenworth, Kan., was shot in the face early Tuesday morning.
Police told KMBC that a man shot the woman during an argument at Seventh Street and Walnut around 2 a.m.
The woman managed to make it to a phone down the street and called police. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040203/lo_kmbc/1987294

[MrBenchley]

35. Police Investigate Two Shootings In Same Apartment Complex (FL)

"Jacksonville police identified William McCloud, 19, as the victim of a deadly shooting Saturday morning on the Westside.
Police said McCloud was killed at Eureka Garden Apartments. Investigators are still looking for the shooter.
The shooting follows another one at Eureka Garden Apartments Thursday morning, when a man was found shot in the leg and torso. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=422&ncid=422&e=4&u=/ibsys/20040203/lo_wjxt/1986625

[MrBenchley]

36. 3 Face Charges After Elver Park Area Shooting (WI)

"Witnesses heard five or six shots fired in the parking lot at 1148 Morraine View shortly after 7 p.m. Saturday, and then saw two males fleeing the scene on foot and a suspicious vehicle leaving the area without headlights toward Elver Park.
Officers said they found an unoccupied vehicle in the lot with bullet hole damage and pulled over the car near Elver Park. They detained five occupants of the vehicle and said they found marijuana in the vehicle packaged in several small bags for individual sale. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=300&ncid=300&e=3&u=/ibsys/20040203/lo_wisc/1986567

[MrBenchley]

37. One Dead In Anderson County Shooting (NC)

Local - WYFF TheCarolinaChannel.com
One Dead In Anderson County Shooting
1 hour, 1 minute ago

"Detectives look for evidence on the front porch of an Anderson County home Tuesday morning. Deputies told WYFF News 4 that they responded to 204 Broadway Heights Road just after 9 a.m. and found a 48-year-old Iva man dead from a gunshot wound on the porch of the home.
Investigators are talking to a 15-year-old boy who lives at the home and may have been involved in the shooting. Capt. Dale McCard said the sheriff's office is investigating the shooting as a homicide at this time. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040203/lo_wyff/1987680

[MrBenchley]

38. Alief Student Accidentally Shoots Self In Class (TX)

"The shooting occurred around 10:30 a.m. in a classroom at Youens Elementary School on 12141 High Star.
News2Houston reported the 12-year-old boy had the gun tucked under the waistband of his pants. At one point, he pulled the gun out to show it to another classmate. The gun discharged when he placed it back into his pants.
The boy told emergency workers that he brought the gun from home. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040203/lo_kprc/1987790

[MrBenchley]

40. Reward Offered In Deadly Modesto Shooting (CA)

"A $5,000 reward is being offered for information involving a recent deadly shooting in Modesto.
Jose Huerta, 19, was found shot to death in the parking lot of an Arco gas station on Paradise Road on Jan. 4. Investigators have identified 19-year-old Julio Ramos as a suspect and want to talk to three other people.
Family members pleaded Monday for anyone with information to come forward. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040203/lo_kcra/1986884

[MrBenchley]

41. Police: Man taunted officer before being fatally shot (ID)

"Boise-AP -- Officials say the armed man who was fatally shot by a police officer in a grocery store parking lot in Boise last week taunted the officer before he was killed.
Boise Police spokeswoman Lynn Hightower says 34-year-old Robert Underwood told the officer he had a gun and then dared the officer to shoot him as he waved the gun in front of him.
Officer Jeff Dustin fired three times Friday night, hitting Underwood once and killing him. Dustin was placed on administrative leave pending an internal review.
Officials say Underwood had a history of using methamphetamine and had a long criminal history. They say he was wanted at the time of the shooting for missing a court date and in connection with a drug-related felony."

http://www.katu.com/news/ap_story_main.asp?URL=http://localhost/apwirefeed/d80g03jg1.xml&NewsSection=BreakingNewsHeadlines

[Wonk]

45. Detectives: Cat's behavior led to man's death as suspected thief (WA)

The Associated Press
2/3/2004, 4:11 a.m. PT

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — Based on the behavior of a pet cat, a sleeping man was shot to death as a suspected thief, according to murder charges against a man being held in the case.

Clayton Edward Butsch, 38, who has a long record of criminal violence, was charged with first-degree murder Friday in the death of Chad J. Vavricka, 30, of Snohomish. Butsch remained in the Snohomish County Jail with bail set at $500,000.

(snip)

Butsch told the witness he could tell who was stealing from him by whom his cat disliked and the witness petted the cat, after which Butsch attempted to call the cat over to Vavricka but the cat wouldn't go, according to the court documents.

(snip)

A young woman who also was at the trailer told investigators Butsch acted "delusional," thought he was on the "Truman Show" and believed cameras had been hidden in his trailer, according to the court papers.

more...
http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/washingtonstate/index.ssf?/base/news-4/107581074136640.xml

edit: I forgot to add the state in the subject line.

[slackmaster]

46. Why is such an obvious risk not in jail?

Or at least under psychiatric care?

...Butsch's criminal history includes convictions for assault, intimidating a witness, intimidating a public servant and animal cruelty.

[MrBenchley]

47. Another well-balanced responsible gun owner

[MrBenchley]

48. Police Chief: Witnesses Need To Come Forward (OR)

"PORTLAND, ORE. - Portland Police Chief Derrick Foxworth chastised witnesses for their unwillingness to help solve five weekend shootings that left two dead and six injured.
It was the city's worst outbreak of violence in months, fueling some fears that gang activity might be on the rise.
The chief also issued a "call to action" for residents to get involved in their neighborhoods, for law enforcement to do more to ensure guns do not get in the wrong hands and for adults to connect with youth.
With no arrests in the five shootings in a three-day span, police are concerned that the unsolved cases might spur further violence. "

http://www.katu.com/news/story.asp?ID=64229

Gee, isn't the RKBA crowd in another thread boasting that CCW states never have anything like this?