Bang Bang You're Dead or Something Like That

17 yr old on autopsy table. Fingerprint ink is on his hand along with his gang tattoo. This young man was shot and killed while committing an armed- burglary in search of guns during a gang initiation. The home-owner was ruled to have been justified since the decedent was armed and in the shooter's home. (Photo by Steve Nawojczyk)

For a long time I didn't think teaching kids about guns at an early age was such a good idea. I based this opinion on the fact that for so many years I saw the devastating effects of guns on children and families. After all, being a coroner brings you pretty close to the reality of death.

Along the way I learned that bullets don't have names on them. When a gun is fired in anger by a young person, there is no telling where the bullet will end up and how many lives will be changed forever. In addition to the intended targets, many times innocent victims are caught up in the culture of violence.

To wit, from the San Diego Union-Tribune:

Girl outside house shot as gangs clash

UNION-TRIBUNE

November 5, 2005

"CITY HEIGHTS – A 16-year-old girl was shot in the leg by a gang member who was shooting at rivals outside a 48th Street house last night, San Diego police said.

The girl was sitting in front of the house near Polk Street with another 16-year-old girl when the two gangs clashed about 8:40 p.m., police Sgt. Rich Nemetz said.

One group of young men was standing near the house when the other group walked up from an alley. They asked the first group members where they were from. Other words were exchanged and one man in the second group, thought to be in his 20s, pulled a gun and fired several rounds.

The bullets missed the young men, but struck one of the girls in the thigh, Nemetz said. The bullet went through one of her legs and hit the other leg. She was taken to a hospital."

Since guns are here to stay, we need to begin making young people understand, from the time they are able to understand, that guns serve a particular purpose and clearly define those purposes, be they hunting or sport or protection.

A good program which teaches not only gun safety and responsibility and shooting techniques, but more importantly, the real dangers of guns and bullets, is probably warranted in every community.

As a part of these training sessions, have someone come and tell kids about what it means to lose a loved one, like perhaps a grieving mother or two who will make the students think of their own mothers. Ask your local law-enforcement community to bring some young prisoners who have lost their freedom because of gun charges to plead the case against being stupid with guns. Kids listen to these sorts of messages.

So the next time you take your kid to the shooting range, also instill in them the importance of being a good citizen and doing the right thing in all aspects of their lives. Steve