UGLY: 9 y/o Shoots Own Father

[CT-Mike]

WTNH.com, Connecticut News and Weather - Man arrested after son shoots him

Middletown (WTNH) _ A 9-year old son got his hands on one of his father's guns and now the father faces a list of charges.

"They were under lock and key," Joseph Simonelli, of East Hampton, said. When asked how his son accessed the gun, Simonelli said, "He broke the lock."

Leaving Middletown Superior Court after posting $10,000 bond, Simonelli insists he is a victim, not a criminal.

Simonelli was accidentally shot Sunday inside his East Hampton home by his own nine-year-old son. And police say at first the family tried to cover up the shooting -- claiming Simonelli was hit by an errant bullet from a hunter while in his driveway.

But, when detectives searched the home, they found dozens of weapons -- including rifles, handguns even a grenade launcher -- and plenty of ammunition.

According to court documents, at least 20 of the guns were stored in the nine-year old's room. Police call that irresponsible and neighbor Sharon Truglio agrees. "My sons have had guns in their house and they educate their children," Truglio noted.

Truglio says if children are going to be around guns they have to be taught to respect them. "It's like a car...driving a car," Truglio said. If you don't respect it someone's going to get hurt."

Simonelli didn't enter a plea during a brief court appearance. But, outside he told News Channel 8 that he didn't do anything wrong. "Guilty to what?" he asked. "Being shot?"

This happened about 40 miles from me. Storing guns in the 9 year old's room? Then trying to cover it up? Sounds like Mr. Simonelli is in some hot water with the law.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[FN1910]

Are they sure it was an accident? This whole deal sounds fishy.

[deadeye72]

That is just crazy. My 9 yr. old has 3 guns, but they are definitely not stored in his room. He only has access to them when I give them to him. I agree with FN1910, something doesn't sound right here.

[wyldman]

" GRENADE LAUNCHER"
that would be tough to conceal.
would you use IWB or OWB.

"Are you happy to see me or is that a Grenade launcher in your pants"

[Janq]

Mr. Simonelli is an idiot.

As well what kind of weak lock did he have that a 9yr. old could "break" it?

- Janq

[cdwolf]

Mr. Simonelli is an idiot.

As well what kind of weak lock did he have that a 9yr. old could "break" it?

- Janq

That's what I was thinking!! Glad he didn't AD a grenade launcher!!

[whyipackmy45]

He got shot and arrested