Hartford shooting victim Jose Medina after returning home from the hospital.
Local news reports
A city firefighter has been charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm and second-degree reckless endangerment after he accidentally shot a friend in the jaw while showing off a gun last month, police said.
Police said Justin Wood, 25, of East Hartford, turned himself in on the charges Wednesday.
Wood was showing the gun to friends at an apartment at 86 Webster St. Nov. 2 when it accidentally fired, striking Jose Medina, police said. Medina, 28, was transported to Hartford Hospital, where he initially was listed in critical condition.
After 17 days, the father of two, was sent home Nov. 19. His jaw had been broken into 100 pieces, and doctors had to wire it shut to allow him to heal, Medina's family told The Courant.
Medina's mother, Evelyn Flores, said on Wednesday: "My son is suffering. He is suffering big time with all the pain he has. He still has to go through more surgeries. Meanwhile, Justin is out like nothing happened."
Flores said that because Wood is a firefighter, she believes the incident was not taken that seriously by authorities. She said that if her son had shot Wood, her son would likely still be in jail.
Someone needs to explain to Ms. Flores the reason for pretrial release. And the factors that go into that decision.
ReplyDeleteAside from the question of bail, don't you consider "unlawful discharge of a firearm and second-degree reckless endangerment" to be light treatment?
DeleteIt might have something to do with the prosecuting attorney charging what he can convict. What do you suggest he be charged with? I don't know the laws of that state.
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