Parents; and Everyone: How do you explain this situation?

[thevoiceofreason]

A northwest Houston man remains in custody today after fatally shooting a teenager Sunday night with what he apparently believed was an unloaded pistol, police said.

This is from the Houston Chronicle today:

Allison Aubrecht, 17, died after she was shot about 5:30 p.m. during a party at a home in the 6500 block of Westview.

Six to eight people, in their teens to early 20s, were at the home when Robert Odom, 20, began waving a small-caliber pistol about the room, Houston police said.

Believing the gun to be unloaded, Odom placed it against the back of Aubrecht's head and pulled the trigger, investigators said.

She died at the scene.

Odom was among three people who had been leasing the home. Police believe Aubrecht also occasionally stayed there.

Investigators found evidence of drug and alcohol use during a search of the home, but did not say whether they believe it played a part in the shooting.

“There were no arguments and no fights prior to the incident,” said homicide Sgt. R.D. Chandler.

Odom was arrested and charged with manslaughter. He remains in the Harris County Jail with bail set at $30,000.


This young lady was a friend of my youngest son. I am trying my best to "be there" for him without lecturing, etc. My heart is breaking for him. At the same time, I know if he would have been there, the article may have been about him - one side or the other (even though he hasbeen through innumerable gun safety courses and the like). Have you ever just wanted to break down. I am almost there.

[givemebackmycountry]

1. voiceofreason

I'm so sorry that such a thing happened to your son.

There is no acceptable reason why anyone would put a gun, loaded or unloaded, to someones head and pull the trigger.
There is no way to put this in a positive light.
So, be honest and be there for him and maybe he'll get through it.

[flvegan]

2. I'm sorry for your son and Miss Aubrecht and her loved ones.

I really don't have anything to add that wouldn't sound like a rant about not pulling a trigger unless you intend to send a bullet through that which you've pointed the gun at.

[sandnsea]

3. Not much hurts more than your kids hurting

Mine have lost friends in horrific car accidents, gang shootings, suicides, all kinds of tragedies. I think it is one of the things about parenthood that nobody warns you about, just how damn bad it hurts when your kids have to go through these things.

Your child is unique and there's no answer to it except to love him through it in whatever way is best for him. I am so sorry for everyone involved.

:cry:

:hug:

[napi21]

4. I wouldn't know what to say to your son. It was a terrible and completely

unnecessary accident. I do have one question though....What in the world do they teach in those safety courses? The absolute FIRST THING we taught our boys, when they were VERY YOUNG, was that no matter where you are, you ALWAYS assume the gun is loaded, no matter who has it. EVERY gun in loaded until you prove it is not!My grandparents were taught that, and they taught their children, and all their children continued in the same manner.

[Broken_Hero]

5. Its very

tragic, I'm very sorry about this tragedy, hang in there, your son will need your strength... :hug:

[Tangerine LaBamba]

6. You're doing fine........

You're being there for him. You can't break down in front of him, but the shower is a great place for letting it rip where no one can find you. Don't be so stoic that you make yourself sick.

He knows about guns, you say, and he knows how stupid this killing was. He knows a whole lot more about it, I expect, that you do. Kids talk; he's heard everything, including the rumors, but that's part of what happens when this sort of horrible incident takes place.

Let him talk to you. You know your kid better than anyone else does. If he wants to talk about it, ask him the questions you want answered about this particular event. Just like you would with a good friend.

And, when it all settles down, make him promise you that if he's ever at a party where someone starts waving a gun around, he'll get the hell out of there as fast as his feet can carry him. Just so you can hear him say that he will.

That poor girl. Her poor family. This is one of the worst I've ever heard.

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. Break down if need be, you have a right

as to the lecture... not now, but he will need it

First lesson with firearms, they are always loaded

Now at this moment if you believe in a god and have a good preacher, (yes they are hard to find) access them and use them... having a third person may help at times

If you need to, use social services

But most importantly HUG your kid... hug him and be there for him

But the lecture probably will need to be given in a while... when, you'll know

[thevoiceofreason]

8. Thank you everyone

One step at a time. He's doing a great job. We are watching "Blazing Saddles" and succombing to the timeless therapy known as Mel Brooks.

[reggie the dog]

9. stupidity

My father taught me rule number one about guns, think that they are always loaded. I was at a party where the same thing happened but I rolled on the ground commando style, took the gun from the idiot, and then (semi auto pistol) made the bullet fly out the side and told the dude he was a fucking moran.