A woman from Nowata, Oklahoma, has admitted to involuntary manslaughter in a federal court, according to U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. Amanda Myrene Fields Moffett, 43, a Cherokee citizen, confessed to the accidental shooting of her daughter while trying to target a stray dog. Johnson emphasized the importance of exercising extreme caution when handling firearms, citing this case as a tragic example of the consequences of neglecting such responsibility.
The incident occurred after sunset on October 5, 2018. Moffett’s daughter had informed her of a stray dog attacking kittens in their yard. Moffett, in response, went out onto her porch and fired her handgun into the dark yard, believing she was aiming at the dog.
Moffett confessed that she did not ensure her daughter was out of the line of fire before discharging her weapon. This oversight led to the unfortunate death of her daughter, turning a routine attempt to protect their pets into a tragic incident.
The maximum penalty for Moffett’s crime is eight years in federal prison. However, the date for her sentencing has not been determined yet. The final decision will be made by a federal district court judge, who will consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors before passing the sentence.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with gun ownership. It underscores the importance of safety precautions when handling firearms, especially in residential areas where the risk of accidental harm to others is high.
The incident also highlights the broader issue of stray animals in residential areas, which can pose a threat to pets and humans alike. It raises questions about the effectiveness of local animal control measures and the need for more proactive strategies to manage stray animals.