View Full Version : Arizona gun range instructor accidentally shot dead showing girl, 9, how to fire Uzi
Charles Vacca, 39, was shot in the head after the weapon recoiled during a tutorial Monday morning at the Arizona Last Stop gun range in White Hills, near the Nevada border. Apparent video of the shooting, filmed by the girl's parents, shows her learning how to handle to weapon before the accident.
Link with video: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/9-year-old-girl-accidentally-shoots-dead-gun-instructor-uzi-police-article-1.1917858
This is really going to scar the little girl, I'm afraid. :(
Pat
Something similar happened several years ago, as I recall it was at a gun show where you could rent machine gun.
Old Dog New Trick
08-27-2014, 11:19
While it may be rare, this happens too often and ends very tragic for all and deadly to one. I don't know why anyone would think this is a "good idea". Guns are not toys!
Hope the little girl gets the counseling and help she will need.
Trapper John
08-27-2014, 11:27
This level of stupidity just pisses me off and gives the 'gun grabbers' more ammunition. What in the hell were the parents, range owners, instructor thinking?
I saw a pic of a 6 yo girl preparing to fire a 0.45 about 4 inches from her face! Dad was behind her. That one ended badly for the little girl I am sure. Stupid, stupid, stupid!
twistedsquid
08-27-2014, 11:28
I saw this story a few days ago and am still shaking my head. Is there not a protocol that prevents this? A nine year old, an experienced instructor and an automatic weapon all converge in a structured environment and this is the (albeit, rare) result? Sad. For all.
Old Dog New Trick
08-27-2014, 11:43
All adults involved need to have criminal charges pressed against them for child endangerment. No excuse for this stupidity. Hope the girl comes out ok, tough to deal with that at any age let alone at nine.
I disagree on the grounds that stupid and Darwinism should be outlawed by laws.
Now, having said that the range owner and or promoters of these events should face hefty fines, lose their licenses to operate said range and parents should be interviewed by CPS to determine their competency to raise young children.
I've seen better controls put in place in third world countries that allow this kind of buffoonery than all the places here that conduct this kind of dumbness. The gun and barrel should be staked and chained in a safe down range direction even for adults. Again, guns are not "toys" and children should not (IMO) be allowed to fire fully automatic weapons bigger than an amusement park BB gun (which is usually staked and chained in a safe direction.)
ETA: P.S. I think seat belts and helmets should be optional above the age of 18. Drunks and squids shouldn't be forced to use life-saving equipment!
Something similar happened several years ago, as I recall it was at a gun show where you could rent machine gun.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/two-more-escape-blame-in-boys-uzi-death/
Team Sergeant
08-27-2014, 14:52
I saw this story a few days ago and am still shaking my head. Is there not a protocol that prevents this? A nine year old, an experienced instructor and an automatic weapon all converge in a structured environment and this is the (albeit, rare) result? Sad. For all.
IQ tests for all gun owners?
You can't stop stupid.
I feel sorry for that poor kid.....
Looks like they removed the parent's video and replaced it with a news report.
Pat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfMzK7QwfrU
rubberneck
08-27-2014, 16:58
The instructor wasn't doing their job. Who just lets a small child fire a gun without making sure that they at least have their hands right there to control the weapon if needed? Also, the weapon should only have had one round in it at most for a first-time shooter. I would never let a child fire a full-auto weapon unless it was fixed in place where there was no concern about recoil or anything.
He should have said no to the parents when they asked if it was ok. Ultimately that decision cost him his life.
Team Sergeant
08-27-2014, 18:00
The "instructor" killed himself when he handed a full auto weapon to a 9 year old.
You only make that mistake once. That little girl had nothing to do with his death and I hope someone makes her realize that when she's old enough to understand.
Old Dog New Trick
08-27-2014, 18:12
The "instructor" killed himself when he handed a full auto weapon to a 9 year old.
You only make that mistake once. That little girl had nothing to do with his death and I hope someone makes her realize that when she's old enough to understand.
+ a hole bunch!
Old Dog New Trick
08-27-2014, 18:15
He should have said no to the parents when they asked if it was ok. Ultimately that decision cost him his life.
I'm betting they coerced the parents with words like, "what could go wrong, we do this all the time!" "Just sign this release, here_________."
He should have said no to the parents when they asked if it was ok. Ultimately that decision cost him his life.
Saying no, would have saved his life and more likely than not cost him his job.
frostfire
08-27-2014, 23:20
Also, the weapon should only have had one round in it at most for a first-time shooter. I would never let a child fire a full-auto weapon unless it was fixed in place where there was no concern about recoil or anything.
He did make her do single-shot only at first, during which her entire grip and hold wobbled and the uzi bounced up-left. Having observed that, how and why on earth he allowed her to proceed with parts of his body forward of the muzzle and no control on the SMG itself is beyond me. With the angle required to hit him in the head/face, some of the rounds must have gone beyond the backstops too. Sad, indeed.
TS is right, I hope she'll understand it was nothing of her doing.
Terrible for that kid....I've seen some crazy stuff occur on gun ranges. Worse was a women who had a scoped .303 rifle with the scope hard up against her eye and before I could say 'whoah hold on there' she fired with the result her forehead split open. Wasn't a pretty sight and I don't blame her when she obviously had no training and the 2 guys with her were obvious dropkicks.