Boy, 4, shoots and kills (former Special Forces) father

[Robb]

PRESCOTT VALLEY, Ariz. -- A 4-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his father at a home in Prescott Valley Friday, according to a spokesman for the Prescott Valley Police Dept.

Police have identified the victim as 35-year-old Justin Stanfield Thomas of Phoenix, a military veteran who served in the Army Special Forces. Detectives say he and his son were from Phoenix and they were visiting a friend at that home. The boy found a gun in the living room and accidentally shot his father.

"I really can't believe this happened," said Jeremy Hartt, a neighbor and friend of everyone involved. "It's tragic, that poor little boy." Hartt said he didn't hear the gunshot but saw the aftermath. He said the friend Thomas was visiting is also a military veteran who keeps a loaded gun for protection.

"Apparently when Justin and his little boy showed up, within minutes, the little boy found the gun and said, 'hey, daddy, what's this?' and it went off," Hartt said.

Read More: http://www.azfamily.com/news/PD-Child-may-have-shot-man-in-Prescott-Valley-210636531.html

[NightWatcher]

1. Next war I say we send 4 year olds

I read daily about 3,4,&5 year olds who are shooting guns and killing people. I say we drop an elite crew of toddlers behind enemy lines and let them go to work.

[B2G]

2. heart breaking

The child will be scarred for life. As will the friend.

[In_The_Wind]

3. O!M!G!

When will it stop?!?

[WinkyDink]

4. Is this where we say, "Otherwise, the child is fine"?

[Just Saying]

5. The only real justice would be

if it was the irresponsible gun owner who was shot and killed.

How sad for this little boy.

More than just the lives they take, guns damage a lot of lives.

[onethatcares]

6. within minutes the little boy found the gun

WTF??? was it hidden on the coffee table?

[B2G]

7. It was probably just sitting out

The article stated that the friend didn't know they were coming over.