In the early days of stay at home orders, media outlets warned of a potential shadow epidemic. Furtively reported stories reminded Americans that there would be people sheltering in place with their abusers and we worried there would be a spike in deaths as a result of domestic violence. But perhaps what we didn’t think about, what we didn’t warn people about, was the danger of sheltering in a place with firearms, the risk of firearm fatalities by both murder and suicide. When lockdown and isolation led to intense boredom, Nuclear Machinist Mate Third Class Watlington worked on learning new tricks with his firearm and, tragically, forgot a critical step in gun safety.
I relied on the NMCCA appellate opinion. This opinion is recent and, at the time of this episode's release, there is no CAAF appellate opinion.
I referenced information about: the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, an article from the Navy Times, gun information from the Marine Corps, and data regarding gun deaths in the U.S.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to share, rate and review it wherever you listen to podcasts. I'm happy to receive constructive feedback or case suggestions at conductunbecomingpod@gmail.com. Join me over on Instagram @conductunbecoming!
Disclaimer: Conduct Unbecoming is a podcast where I get to talk about interesting crimes and cases that involve US military service members. I research, write, and produce the podcast myself… the opinions expressed are my own and, perhaps it’s obvious, Conduct Unbecoming is not approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Department of Defense. I am not a military JAG and have never been a military JAG. While I'm a practicing attorney, I don't do direct criminal defense. This podcast is a passion project, not legal advice or expert opinion.
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