There are NO "accidents" with firearms -- there is only carelessness.* The parents are culpable: they were careless and now they have lost a 2 year old son. Their anguish has to be overwhelming, but it was because of their carelessness and they must realize it.

Not withstanding the above, it was their carelessness that led to a homicide just a surely as if they had left the 5 year old in the family car and he took it out of gear and it rolled over the 2 year old. They are responsible for the death of another human being.



*National Rifle Association, Small Arms Instruction (1942).