ACCIDENT: Letter was real tragedy

This is in regard to the letter to the editor from Bill Valoff in the Oct. 30 issue of the Coeur d'Alene Press.

Mr. Valoff, how can you be so cold as to write a public letter such as this? Do you enjoy pouring salt into the wound of those who are grieving?

You don't know what an accident is? Webster's Dictionary defines accident as an unintended happening, a mishap. Newspaper articles stated that Robert Bartlett unintentionally discharged the gun. Therefor, it was an accident. You said that you have been asking people to give you a good example of an accident for more than 40 years. This, sir, is a prime example of an accident.

How do you know that Robert Bartlett had not unloaded his gun? My father taught my brothers and me at a young age that there is no such thing as an "unloaded" gun. Even though a person may have gone through the process of unloading a gun, there could still be ammunition in the chamber. Any gun, unloaded or not, should always be treated and handled as if it were loaded. Mr. Valoff, you were not there to witness how Robert Bartlett handled the gun, so who are you to judge?

No, this should not be prosecuted as a homicide. This was an accident. The entire family, along with Robert Bartlett, will be grieving for years to come. This is punishment enough. The family does not need to hear negative opinions such as yours.

My heart goes out to the family of Conner Bartlett. I would like to apologize if my letter has caused you anymore heartache but it really irritates me that Mr. Valoff could be so cold hearted. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow.

GERRI LAYSON

Hayden