Woman fatally shot playing 'officer' in Florida police academy drill

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/10/us/punta-gorda-police-academy-fatal-shooting/index.html

(CNN)A woman was accidentally shot and killed during a community police academy exercise in Punta Gorda, Florida.

A police officer shot Mary Knowlton on Tuesday night during a "shoot/don't shoot" role-play scenario," in which officers would make decisions on using simulated lethal force in a live role play, Punta Gorda Police Chief Tom Lewis said at a news conference.

Lewis said the gun used in the active-shooter scenario mistakenly had a live round in it. Knowlton was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

She was 73, according to CNN affiliate WINK. A librarian who originally hailed from Minnesota, Knowlton was listed as being on board of directors for the Friends of the Punta Gorda Library.

During the scenario in which Knowlton was shot, participants played the roles of police officers, good guys and bad guys, and everyone was provided "blank guns," Punta Gorda police Lt. Katie Heck told CNN.

[Teddy B 17,252]

That's effed up.

[John Miller 761]

If only she had a gun...

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Someone needs to go to jail, just saying...

[John Miller 761]

First reaction from the PGPD was that this was a terrible accident. That usually doesn't come with jail time.

[Teddy B 17,252]

First reaction from the PGPD was that this was a terrible accident. That usually doesn't come with jail time.

Involuntary manslaughter would be the proper charge.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

First reaction from the PGPD was that this was a terrible accident. That usually doesn't come with jail time.

Oh I know, just thinking that any accident where you shoot someone and they die, someone needs to be held accountable.

[John Miller 761]

Oh I know, just thinking that any accident where you shoot someone and they die, someone needs to be held accountable.

Especially if the shooter is a police officer who knows not to use a loaded gun in this event.

[We Keep Receipts 9,238]

Especially if the shooter is a police officer who knows not to use a loaded gun in this event.

Bingo.

[Rob L 3,811]

Involuntary manslaughter would be the proper charge.

from findlaw

Involuntary manslaughter usually refers to an unintentional killing that results from recklessness or criminal negligence, or from an unlawful act that is a misdemeanor or low-level felony (such as DUI). The usual distinction from voluntary manslaughter is that involuntary manslaughter (sometimes called "criminally negligent homicide") is a crime in which the victim's death is unintended.

For example, Dan comes home to find his wife in bed with Victor. Distraught, Dan heads to a local bar to drown his sorrows. After having five drinks, Dan jumps into his car and drives down the street at twice the posted speed limit, accidentally hitting and killing a pedestrian.

Elements of the Offense

Three elements must be satisfied in order for someone to be found guilty of involuntary manslaughter:

Someone was killed as a result of act by the defendant.

The act either was inherently dangerous to others or done with reckless disregard for human life.

The defendant knew or should have known his or her conduct was a threat to the lives of others.

Charges of involuntary manslaughter often come in the wake of a deadly car crash caused by a motorist under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. While the motorist never intended to kill anyone, his or her negligence in operating a car while impaired is enough to meet the requirements of the charge.

Activities that are entirely legal can also result in involuntary manslaughter charges when carried out irresponsibly or recklessly. For example, if the operator of a dangerous carnival ride recklessly fails to ensure that all passengers are strapped in and people die as a result, a prosecutor may decide to bring involuntary manslaughter charges against the operator.

[Teddy B 17,252]

from findlaw

Involuntary manslaughter usually refers to an unintentional killing that results from recklessness or criminal negligence, or from an unlawful act that is a misdemeanor or low-level felony (such as DUI). The usual distinction from voluntary manslaughter is that involuntary manslaughter (sometimes called "criminally negligent homicide") is a crime in which the victim's death is unintended.

For example, Dan comes home to find his wife in bed with Victor. Distraught, Dan heads to a local bar to drown his sorrows. After having five drinks, Dan jumps into his car and drives down the street at twice the posted speed limit, accidentally hitting and killing a pedestrian.

Elements of the Offense

Three elements must be satisfied in order for someone to be found guilty of involuntary manslaughter:

Someone was killed as a result of act by the defendant.

The act either was inherently dangerous to others or done with reckless disregard for human life.

The defendant knew or should have known his or her conduct was a threat to the lives of others.

Charges of involuntary manslaughter often come in the wake of a deadly car crash caused by a motorist under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. While the motorist never intended to kill anyone, his or her negligence in operating a car while impaired is enough to meet the requirements of the charge.

Activities that are entirely legal can also result in involuntary manslaughter charges when carried out irresponsibly or recklessly. For example, if the operator of a dangerous carnival ride recklessly fails to ensure that all passengers are strapped in and people die as a result, a prosecutor may decide to bring involuntary manslaughter charges against the operator.

Are you agreeing or disagreeing with me?

Edited August 10, 2016 by Teddy B

[The Nature Boy 7,659]

After a painstaking investigation and gathering all the facts , the legal team of trained lawyers at chest recommend prosecution and appropriate charges.

?????

[Rob L 3,811]

After a painstaking investigation and gathering all the facts , the legal team of trained lawyers at chest recommend prosecution and appropriate charges.

?????

Criminal charges should be a solution of last resort, I just dont see a crime based on what we know now.

[Teddy B 17,252]

Criminal charges should be a solution of last resort, I just dont see a crime based on what we know now.

Involuntary manslaughter charges do not require a criminal element.

[The Nature Boy 7,659]

Criminal charges should be a solution of last resort, I just dont see a crime based on what we know now.

Bingo we don't know all