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I debated with myself for a bit as to whether or not to post this sad story, taking into consideration our image as gun owners, the golden rule of this site, etc. Ultimately, I decided that this needs to be shared, to remind everyone of the importance of the rules of gun safety. Hopefully none of you need to be reminded about responsible gun ownership and the safety rules, but it never hurts to reinforce them and show you why we stress about them. I hope any and all of you can point out the main rules that, if this guy had followed them, would have saved this young girls life. I know personally, although the rules are habit for me now, I still read and recite them monthly to keep them fresh in my mind. Stay safe guys.
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MARYSVILLE, Wash. - The father of a 6-year-old girl who was shot while he was cleaning guns has been jailed for investigation of manslaughter.
Investigators say on Sunday night, the girl's father, Richard Peters, was cleaning his guns.
"He had sent the 6-year-old girl up to his bedroom to get a gun out of his nightstand," said Rebecca Hover of the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office.
The gun was a Colt .45 Double Eagle.
Police say during an interview with investigators, Peters told them when his daughter handed him the gun, he pulled out the magazine and pulled the trigger.
The gun fired, and Peters' daughter dropped to the ground. She had been shot in the head.
Investigators say Peters told them that while cleaning his guns, he was drinking vodka, pouring himself multiple double drinks. He told them he was probably too drunk to drive.
"I don't think I have the words to describe the tragedy of this situation and how it just defies all logic and common sense," said Hover.
Investigators say Peters told them he lets all of his kids handle guns, including his 8-year-old and 3-year-old.
The children are in the custody of Child Protective Services.
Investigators say a few weeks ago, Peters accidentally fired a shotgun during a pumpkin "shoot-up" in Darrington. He said he didn't know the gun was loaded.
Peters is in jail on $250,000 bail.