untrained teenager shoots girlfriend

[billv]

This is tragic, as well as stupid.

Boyfriend Accused Of Shooting Girl, 16, Released - Houston News Story - KPRC Houston

HOUSTON -- Police said the weekend death of a teenage girl that was originally blamed on a drive-by shooting has led back to the victim's boyfriend, Local 2 Investigates reported.

Police were first told that a mysterious drive-by shooter had opened fire, killing 16-year-old Waddieonne Griffin on Alvin Street in the Sunnyside neighborhood of southeast Houston early Saturday. Her friends called her by the nickname of "Yanni."

But HPD homicide Officer Fil Waters said, "It was clear that the story that was concocted to explain why Yanni was shot was just full of holes. The inconsistencies were pretty glaring."

He said witnesses contradicted what Griffin's boyfriend and other witnesses had told police, and then teenagers were questioned again and they began telling the truth.

Waters said Griffin's 16-year-old boyfriend, Donald James, was handling a gun in his family's driveway when Griffin raised concerns about the gun.

"She was going to put it in her purse before somebody got hurt, which is ironic off the chart. But he was going to give her the gun, he was trying to de-cock the weapon and did not, obviously. The weapon discharged and hit Yanni," said Waters.

"I never did want her with him," said the victim's mother, Linda Griffin.

"She was a beautiful person and she loved everybody. She would do anything she could for people, and she loved to do hair," said the mother.

Police had not yet recovered the gun that was used in the shooting, with Waters saying, "Typically these things quickly disappear."

He said James began cooperating once the truth was discovered. "He eventually told us what happened. He's completely overcome with emotion and grief-stricken," said Waters.

Police said James will face juvenile criminal charges of negligent homicide.

Griffin's mother and friends said they had always raised concerns about her dating James.

"She liked him a lot. I couldn't do nothing about that. I couldn't tell nobody who not to love," said her best friend, Ironesha Williams.

"We did everything together. She never went anywhere without me," said Williams as she wiped away tears from both eyes.

Family and friends gathered at Griffin's home Sunday night as police delivered a letter they urged James to write about what really happened.

Waters said, "It's a perfect example of kids handling a firearm irresponsibly and having the most tragic of unintended consequences."

Police said no other charges were expected.

[S&WM&P40]

Yet another "Wannabe gangster" who knows nothing about firearms. It reminds me of people who clear the chamber with the mag still in the firearm. Not knowing they just racked another round into the chamber. Drops the mag thinking the firearm is unloaded and pulls the trigger. He knew he was in deep **** and covered up what really happend. Why didn't they charge him with giving a false statement to LEO? Or witness tampering? Removing evidence from the crime scene? He will end up doing two to five years max and then be let out of juvenille hall with a clean record. Stupidity is no reason to go easy on this kid! Our court systems are to quick to hit the "plea bargain button" on cases that are not "Front page news." So they tell the loved ones of the victim that "Some jail time is better then none." Or they put people in jail or worse yet on death row for crimes they did not commit. Then have the nerve to not admit they were wrong in placing that person in jail. The whole system makes me want to PUKE!!

[jbh4381]

Treat a gun as if it is always loaded and never point it at something you do not plan to kill! Simple rules to follow and everyone stays safe!

[paramedic70002]

But HPD homicide Officer Fil Waters said, "It was clear that the story that was concocted to explain why Yanni was shot was just full of holes.

Was this a slip up or is the Detective being funny?

[handgonnetoter]

My question is, why was a sixteen year old carrying a gun. If they would have been following the law, neither of them would have had that handgun at all. There are tons of gun laws and rules to handling firearms, but if people don't adhear to them they will not do anyone any good.

[Pokey]

Treat a gun as if it is always loaded and never point it at something you do not plan to kill! Simple rules to follow and everyone stays safe!

Whats the fun in that?

[NavyLCDR]

I'm confused...

I thought this wasn't supposed to happen in Texas because Texas requires a permit to carry AND required training to obtain the permit?

[S&W645]

Treat a gun as if it is always loaded and never point it at something you do not plan to kill! Simple rules to follow and everyone stays safe!

That is rules #1 & 2. Rule #3 says see rule #1.

[mhankins]

I'm confused...

I thought this wasn't supposed to happen in Texas because Texas requires a permit to carry AND required training to obtain the permit?

Seems as if the laws are only for those who choose to abide by them.
Probably should just make some new ones.

[NavyLCDR]

Seems as if the laws are only for those who choose to abide by them.
Probably should just make some new ones.

Or do away with those that only hinder law abiding citizen's from defending themselves.