David Codrea: 14-year-old Hero may be Blamed for 'Gun Death'

A 14-year-old Mecklenburg County boy shot and killed an 18-year-old "youth" and threatened his 22-year-old brother with “gun violence” in a case of death-dispensing “vigilante” action, WSOC TV 9 reported Tuesday. What’s more, the young killer’s grandfather admits leaving the loaded Glock handgun where the child had access to it, allowing him to pick it up and fire three shots, one hitting the wood railing on the porch to further illustrate the lethal danger of guns in the home.

The grandfather’s action appears to be a violation of North Carolina law. “Safe storage” is a requirement in the Tar Heel State according to Wayne Goodwin, Commissioner of the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

“North Carolina law requires that the owner or possessor of a gun must not store or leave the firearm in a condition that could be accessed and discharged by a minor who resides in the house of the gun owner,” a Safe Kids North Carolina message put out under authority of Goodwin’s department and the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force explains. “A minor is a person who is under 18 years of age.

“If you fail to safely store your firearms, you could pay the price,” the message warns. “Not only do you put your children at risk, you could also face fines and/or jail time. You may be guilty of a Class 1 Misdemeanor if a minor gains access to your gun and ... Causes injury or death...”

“If you own a gun, it is your responsibility to store it safely,” Goodwin’s warning continues. “Obey the law.”

“Store firearms out of the reach of children and other unauthorized users,” his message mandates. “Keep them unloaded with the ammunition stored in a separate location.”

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