My aunt was shot and killed by her husband, please crime experts hear the evidence and give me your thoughts..

OP I just realized that I misread your post... You said that your Uncle claimed she was handing the gun to HIM when it went off. Is your Uncle implying that SHE pulled the trigger?

If so, a simple gunshot residue test of your Aunt's hands would determine if she pulled the trigger. Also, they forensic examiner should have examined the point of impact on her head to determine the distance in which the gun was positioned when it went off. If a gun was held to someone's temple and fired a forensic examiner would be able to determine this based on the gasses & residue discharged from the barrel in relation to her head.

Please contact the police and find out if these tests were done and what the results are. It is possible that the police are trying to collect more evidence before arresting him as to secure the likelihood of a successful conviction. It's also possible that a police force and prosecutor's office could botch an investigation upon which you may need to get some outside help from a 3rd party Investigator.

Just blow him away like any down G would.

Yes! That's my issue he claims she shot herself. The lead detective said they kno for sure that is untrue, yet want to wait on further testing. I would think that's enough.

Time to find out if he has a mistress.

Yes he does. We are calling the lead detectives and staying in their ear.

Doubtful, but that reminds me...when I was questioned they asked me if I knew of her cheating, apparently he must have mentioned that, or maybe a coworker did.

Let me guess, he is an ex-police officer, or knows someone at the police pricinct?

His intent when he did it doesn't matter (to me). Before anyone gets to angry, I think that he should kill himself (the uncle that did the shooting.) and save the world some extra work.

He either did it on purpose, in anger or with malice aforethought, or it was an accident...

But if you know that you are an angry person, one that drinks and makes horrible decisions...

You have no business having a firearm at all.

You have a responsibility to make certain things like this don't happen.

Each individual knows themselves and should be held responsible for what they do. Yes, legitimate accidents happen 9but changing stories don't help his case there at all!) but really, if you choose to have a weapon, you have to be responsible for it's use.

The system won't take care of this, so he should, as a matter of honor. No matter how it happened it's his responsibility.

Gotcha... Just make sure you and your family stay on top of the lead Detective and the local/state Prosecutor assigned to the case. Badger them for updates and constant communication as to how this case is being handled. They should be able to explain to you exactly what they are doing and what their line of thinking is as to the delay in arresting this asshole.

If they are waiting on more tests they may be hoping to obtain further forensic evidence that would bolster their case and boost the likelihood of a successful conviction during a trial. This may be a smart move but I can imagine it would be stressful for your family.

Good for you. Keep it up.
In my experience I would think that charges will be filed once an expert forensic opinion is presented via the Coroner's office.

What state are you in?

Not that I know of..

Georgia. They told us we have one crime lab that handles this stuff. The GBI collected all evidence.

It can take some time to get the report back especially if they are waiting for a tox (they may have to farm this out to another lab).

Patience...stay in communication with the investigating officers. They should be in touch with the ADA as to when to file charges and will inform you as well.

Best wishes and prayers for you and your family.

Oh sitting at the funeral and being civil was a test of us all. This was after we were told she didn't shoot herself. But IA with you. Maybe it's for the best they're waiting.

He did tell me he has been meeting with the DA, is that a good sign?

Yes.

Just awaiting word go once statutory requirements for charges are met.

Good!! I didn't know if that was just some routine thing. That makes me hopeful. I'll definitely update here if/when he's charged. I appreciate all the feedback.

NP Opie.
Happy to help.
May God bless you and your family.

Hi OP-

First, I am sorry for your loss, losing a loved one is not easy.

You noted it happened Nov 4, it will take longer than two weeks to make a solid case against the perpetrator. And time for the forensic tests to be processed.

The investigators may "know," but they have to have their proof (evidence) and then show that proof to the DA and then the DA has to meet the requirements of the law to prosecute the case.

Blessings to you and yours during this difficult time.


1221

My husband and I own guns and I will tell you that when we hand each other a weapon we point it to the ground even if we believe it is unloaded.

Anyone, that handles guns instinctively never points the barrel at any part of the human body be it their body or anyone else's body, especially the head.

The moment I point a weapon directly at a person is the same moment that I commit to taking a life.

I am sorry for your family.

i'm sorry for your loss.

just coz it seems like an open and shut case, doen't mean your uncle did it.

things never are what they seem and jsut coz he would be the most logical choice, doen't men he did it.

serious and decent policemen do not arrst people based on speculation, assumptions, and their own opinions... they can conduct the investigation based on theri gut feeling, but unless they have actual proof, they always keep in mind their gutt feeling can be wrong.

i am not saying he didn't do it, i am saying what kind of justice system convincts people without real proof of their crime, not ver just isn't it.

that's why we need evidence before we sentence peoople, and that's why the police is taking their time.

you might think you know he did it, but unlenss you have actual proof, you can't REALLY know, can you, you can only speculate.

anyway, seems like she had a tough life, i am really sorry she died so violently, if only she left that mean in the beginging of a bad vioalnt marriage, she would maybe still be alive today.

Same thing happened to my Mom.
Hard to handle, but very few people will care.
Blessings to you.

NO She didn't shoot herself. Women take meds when they commit suicide. He hated her. did he cry when she died? how was he crying?(guilt or sadness?) look at the signs. he wanted to pay..just think!

And what paper was this reported in???

unless she already tried with meds, and failed, in which case i'd consider shooting myself.

she had access to fire arms, she was suffering abuse over long period of time which puts her in a state of shock, she might have wanted to kill herself.

like someone already said, ballistics will hopefully clarify things a bit.

Anhedonic has nailed it here... Though i'd like to offer my two cents.

Gun Shot Residue or GSR tests are common in these cases, but not always the "tell tale" when it comes to forensic evidence and determining if a story "holds water" or not. More often, the size, shape and trajectory of the wound has a little more weight in the case, as any halfway decent attorney can argue that GSR will be present in/on a bullet wound from any distance, seeing as the projectile (bullet) was fired from a gun.

However, there are tell-tale signs when a round is fired from close range, and even more so if fired as a "contact shot". Here are two examples of contact wounds

(Graphic for some)
[link to www.forensicindia.com]
[link to www.forensicindia.com]

Notice how there is charring and stippling in both of the images. Sometimes you'll also have tearing of the skin and other effects from the gas not being allowed to escape properly from the barrel.

What does this mean for YOU??? Well, If the investigator is halfway worth his salt, he should have seen that a the death scene and been able to immediately know if the suspect told a story that was congruent with the evidence. IF he didn't know about it, then the Coroner or Pathologist should be including that information in their report (Which by the way is most likely done and submitted... Happened Nov 4th?)

So, I guess what is probably happening is that the wound may have been consistent with the story told and the investigators don't really have the needed evidence to proceed. But don't let that get you down. I'm sure if there's ANY question about the death, they are still interested in making the arrest.

I will tell you from many years of experience that Stories do NOT change, unless they are 1) A LIE, or 2) Told to protect some other bit of information (Witnesses, extra evidence, Etc. There is no other simpler explanation that that. The TRUTH does not change.

You need to have a talk with the medical examiner, (Pathologist / Coroner) to get specifics on the wound itself, as well as the trajectory. Then have a talk with the investigator in the case. TRY to do it in that order.... The Investigator will most likely try to protect his/her own ego by telling you what you want to hear, before telling you that they "don't know" a little bit about ballistics or wound dynamics. The M.E. or Pathologist most likely will not have the same protective veil.

I am sorry to hear about your loss....

Last Edited by Travis Bickle on 11/17/2012 02:57 AM

Lol... guess I should have read ALL the replies before making one of my own.

If he had shot my Aunt he would have already committed suicide.

Sorry to hear of your loss, OP.

A friendly bit of advice from experience. ce careful how much you say, including any details that can used in recognizing him. This goes for discussing anything on facebook, reporters, etc. The wrong thing said and a good lawyer can work it so he walks in a short time if ever convicted. Just saying, be careful.

Since it is your uncle and this is GLP he is allowed to kill her. Uncle's are immune from prosecution. Your Aunt should have known this and brought him more sammiches.