I read this story a few days ago.
Police: St. Louis officer killed by colleague in accidental shooting
ST. LOUIS — A St. Louis police officer “mishandled” a gun and accidentally shot and killed a colleague early Thursday, authorities said.
The shooting happened around 1 a.m. at an officer’s home, police Chief John Hayden told reporters during a news conference shortly after the shooting. Two on-duty male officers were at one of their apartments when Katlyn Alix, who was off duty, stopped by, according to police.
A police incident report said the three officers were seated in the apartment living room when one of the male officers “mishandled a firearm and shot (Alix) in the chest.” The male officers, both 29, drove Alix, 24, to a hospital, where she died.
This was a tragedy for the officer and her husband. It’s going to be an ongoing tragedy for the officer who shot her. It’s not going to be too pleasant for the officer’s partner, either.
The officer who did the shooting (allegedly) has already been arrested and charged with Involuntary Manslaughter.
All of that being said, this story seems incomplete. There are a lot more questions than answers in the news reporting so far.
Why were two on duty police officers at an apartment that was outside of their patrol district?
Why was an off duty officer at that apartment in the middle of the night?
What on Earth would induce to responsible adults to play “Russian Roulette”?
The parents of the deceased officer have already retained a lawyer, so we can expect litigation to follow. During discovery, the truth will likely come out and I’m not sure that the family of the deceased is going to like what they are told.
All of which is besides the point. No matter what happens there are two things we know for sure.
Katlyn Alix is dead because at least two people, both police officers, were irresponsible with a firearm.
Firearms are not toys and anyone who owns or uses them does so at their own peril and to the peril of those around them.
Sad and ultimately so unnecessary.