Attempted Homicide for Shooting Someone with a BB Gun

Police in Kearns, Utah are investigating a shooting where a 14 year old boy was shot in the head with a BB gun; an act that authorities are saying could result in attempted homicide charges.

BB Gun at School

Following a homecoming pep rally at a Kearns, Utah high school earlier this month, a car pulled up to a group of students outside the school and opened fire on the crowd with a BB gun. One student, a freshman, was shot in the forehead with the BB gun and taken to a local hospital. The victim of the shooting is expected to make a full recovery and police are trying to find the shooter.

Not a child’s toy

A BB gun is often portrayed as an older child’s toy such as it is in the classic holiday movie “A Christmas Story”, yet many parents who buy their children BB guns or similar play firearms are unaware of the potential harm a child can do with the gun, and the criminal charges that may follow.

Attempted homicide

According to Kearns police who are still looking for the BB gun bandit, shooting someone with a BB gun is just like using any other type of firearm and criminal charges of attempted homicide are to be expected. Utah Code 76-4-102 states regarding attempted homicide : “[it] is a first degree felony punishable by imprisonment for an indeterminate term of not fewer than three years and which may be for life “.

Parental supervision

It is important for parents to educate themselves and their children on the rules associated with using any firearm, including BB guns. It is also encouraged that parents wait until a child is mature enough to understand the potential ramifications that may occur from committing a crime with a gun and for parents to provide supervision whenever the gun is in use. If a minor is facing criminal charges for attempted homicide or other firearm charges, parents should seek immediate legal counsel.