Florida Shooters Network

https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/regi ... detectives



PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A 26-year-old Palm Harbor man is facing a manslaughter charge after detectives say he shot and killed his friend Thursday night with a rifle that he thought was unloaded.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office says Sean Cook, 26, of Clearwater, went to his friend Shea Harkins' Palm Harbor home to play video games.

Detectives say Harkins brought a Colt M4 rifle, which he had been customizing before Cook came over, into the bedroom where they were playing video games.

The sheriff's office says Harkins pointed the rifle, which he thought was unloaded, at Cook as a joke. Detectives say Cook casually asked, "What, are you going to shoot me?" and Harkins admitted he pulled the trigger. According to detectives, there was a bullet in the chamber which hit Cook in the chest.

Deputies were called to the home around 7:48 p.m., according to a press release. Paramedics transported Cook to Mease Countryside Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:55 p.m.

Harkins was arrested and charged with one count of manslaughter. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

The sheriff's office says the investigation is ongoing.

His eyes looks like he was crying, I'm sure he didn't do it on purpose but this is where safety really needs to be taught sad story.

Chinerd00 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 19, 2020 7:30 pm His eyes looks like he was crying, I'm sure he didn't do it on purpose but this is where safety really needs to be taught sad story.

Yes, I saw the same thing.
But I have zero sympathy for him.
We know the rules, maybe he didn't, maybe he did and chose to ignore them?
Who knows?
In any event it was a wholly avoidable tragedy.

More or less the standard 4 rules of gun safety, there are several more depending on the situation.

#1 Treat all guns as if they are always loaded. ...
#2 Never let the muzzle cover anything that you are not willing to destroy. ...
#3 Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to shoot. ...
#4 Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it.

Of course there are exceptions as when dry firing practice and cleaning a gun, etc. but the above 4 are golden and should be adhered to under most circumstances.

Jeepsnguns wrote: ↑Fri Jun 19, 2020 6:01 pm
The sheriff's office says Harkins pointed the rifle, which he thought was unloaded, at Cook as a joke.

But, but, but...I removed the magazine!