Mother Pleads Guilty to Accidental Shooting of Daughter in Oklahoma
In a tragic incident, Amanda Myrene Fields Moffett, 43, has admitted to accidentally causing the death of her 16-year-old daughter, Laramie, while attempting to protect kittens from a stray dog. Moffett faced charges of involuntary manslaughter in the state of Oklahoma.
Fatal Confrontation
On the fateful day of October 5, 2018, Laramie informed her mother that a stray dog was threatening kittens near their home. In a bid to safeguard the animals, Moffett took action. She fired her handgun into the darkness outside, believing it was aimed at the menacing dog. However, she failed to ensure her daughter’s safety, resulting in the unintended tragedy.
Legal Responsibility and Tragic Consequences
US Attorney Clinton Johnson emphasized the vital responsibility that gun owners bear when handling firearms. He noted, “Every gun owner has the legal responsibility to use extreme caution when discharging a firearm. This case unfortunately highlights the potential tragic results absent that caution.” The severity of this situation underscores the necessity for utmost care in such circumstances.
Changing Charges
Initially, Amanda Moffett faced a first-degree murder charge with deliberate intent. However, this charge was later dropped following a compelling argument by her lawyer, who asserted that she had been wrongfully charged in the state court, as reported by KSN 16. Additionally, discrepancies arose regarding the number of shots fired, as revealed in Nowata County District Court documents.
Legal Ramifications
Moffett now faces a potential maximum sentence of eight years in prison. The final sentence will be determined by a federal judge, who will take into account US sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Until the sentencing date, which remains unscheduled, Moffett will remain under supervised release.
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a solemn reminder of the consequences that can unfold when firearms are handled without the utmost caution, particularly within family settings.