When I read this story yesterday, he was still alive but it didnt' look good. Very sad that he didn't make it.
Posted on 03/05/2005 2:03:02 AM PST by beaversmom
THE grieving mother of a toddler who died after being shot with an airgun called yesterday for the weapons to be banned.
Two-year-old Andrew Morton was hit in the head by a single pellet - thought to be aimed at firefighters tackling a house blaze - as he went out with his brother to buy chips.
His family took the agonising decision to turn off his ventilator after doctors said there were no signs of recovery.
Mum Sharon McMillan, 34, said: "Airguns should be banned and anyone who carries them should be locked up.
"Andrew was a wonderful wee boy, a brilliant kid."
Sharon and Andrew's dad Andy, 30, were at the youngster's bedside in a Glasgow hospital when he died after being in intensive care for two nights.
Sharon said: "I just kept thinking 'this is a dream' and I was going to wake up from my nightmare.
"We were there when he was given the last rites and Andy and I took turns cuddling him in bed."
Her plea for an airgun ban was backed by politicians. And the father of one of the Dunblane massacre victims said Andrew's death was "a tragedy waiting to happen".
Scottish Parliament minister Margaret Curran said: "There is a real sense of horror at such a barbaric act. All options have to be considered. If that means we need to licence these airguns, they should be banned.
"We will do whatever we can to protect our communities and our children. This is a brutal act, my thoughts are with the family."
Dr Mick North, whose five-year-old daughter Sophie was killed by gunman Thomas Hamilton at Dunblane primary school in 1996, added: "This is something that was waiting to happen because there are so many airgun incidents.
"Fortunately most people are not badly injured but it was only a matter of time before someone was killed.
"We need tougher controls. Too many people regard these weapons as toys. This is the strongest possible indication they are lethal weapons."
The age for owning an airgun has been raised from 14 to 17 and it is an offence to possess one in a public place.
But Dr North, who wants the weapons licensed, said the measures do not go far enough. He added: "The changes did not control ownership or possession within properties. So you can get people taking pot shots out of windows."
Sharon and Andy have four other children, Cheryl 17, Brian, 13, Sammy-Jo, 10, and seven-month-old Calvin.
Andrew was hit on Wednesday evening as he walked with Brian through the Easterhouse area.
The youngster was fascinated by fire engines and the pair stopped to watch a crew putting out a blaze in their street - with tragic consequences.
Brian said: "Andrew put his hands to his head and I asked what had happened.
"When I touched the back of his head there was blood. His face just went white and we started screaming." A 34-year-old fireman had earlier been shot but escaped injury.
Andrew's sister Cheryl last night paid tribute to her little brother. She said: "He was the life and soul of the full house. If everybody was upset he would cheer you up. He acted about 22. He was amazing. A pure brilliant wee boy."
As part of the probe into Andrew's killing, children were yesterday searched as they walked to school.
Police arrested a man of 27 over the shooting. He was last night in custody and is expected in court on Monday.
Tony Blair called the senseless killing "appalling". He added: "It is a terrible tragedy and I know people are looking closely at what lessons can be learned."
Scotland's justice minister Cathy Jamieson said weapons laws must be reviewed following Andrew's death.
bump
When I read this story yesterday, he was still alive but it didnt' look good. Very sad that he didn't make it.
This is very bad for the child but the scum, who may have started the fire and was shooting at the people at the fire is to blame.
Sad and I feel for their loss. However, how would they feel about a parent whose child had just drowned in a pond calling for a ban on all ponds?
Exactly--but in England and here in a lot of cases, the focus always seems to be on the weapon and not the person doing the crime. I think England needs to bring back the death penalty. And we don't need to be more like Europe thank you very much anyway Justice Kennedy!!!
Remember a thread a couple of years ago when a womans kid died in a blowhole on the beach in Hawaii, and she wanted them all fenced in.
Much as I love my sons, I could not have called them brilliant at 2 years old. The editor should have shown some discretion. Of course, I feel very sorry for this family, but their anger is misdirected. Hope the killer gets caught.
Too many deep fried Mars bars. Some weird old news comes out of Scotland.
Mum Sharon McMillan, 34, said: "Airguns should be banned and anyone who carries them should be locked up."
O' God please help me this day to deal with idiots like this.
Bump to your post.
I could not have said it better.
Tragic as it is, truly airguns don't kill toddlers; people kill toddlers. And the unborn. And the elderly. And the maritally-inconvenient. And they get away with it. And it's because we are letting deviancy be defined downward. We the people in our apathy are to blame for permitting this.
And we the people can force our legislators and judges to undo nearly EVERY bad decision. If we summon the will and do not lose our focus.
If he had choked on a Mike and Ike they'd be banning those as well.
And yes, if children are around ponds. . .they can be dangerous. . .we try and warn. . .any water. . .crossing the street; we teach them children 'to look both ways'. . .the do's and don'ts of tring to protect them as they grow up. . .
There is always a particular sadness when tragedies fall to the innnocent. . . when a child is doing nothing but the innocent. . .playing. . .and falls into harms way; it happens; it is cruel. . .often there is no one to blame; save inexperience. . .
. . .but to be no more than a bystander. . .to go buy 'chips' and not come home; because some other child/person is doing something reckless and irresponsible (someone elses inexperience perhaps) is difficult to accept without looking to the perpetrator. . .or as in many cases, the object, at hand.
Perhaps the perp will get some attention here; I surely hope so. . .but whatever the case; for these folks. . .their immediate response is at least, understandable.
It is very sad.
Bringing back the death penalty would actually be popular. The last poll I saw suggested the public was in favour.
And so am I. My dear, departed Gran's second husband was shot in cold blood. The murderer is now out and about, living a relatively comfortable life, married to a woman who campaigned for his release. That's not justice.
Regards, Ivan
It is very sad. Read a story the other day on FR about a little boy, 10 or so, who had made a big snowball with a friend. The thing rolled down and crushed him to death. I know I can't be like this, but it makes me not want to leave the house. This poor little boy looking at the fire trucks and some idiot has got to be in the area! I wonder if the idiot was deliberately aiming at the boy.
It is not Justice. . .unless you are a Liberal.
The perp is the only victim in their minds. . .
. . .they do not count the 'life stolen'. . .from the victim - and from all those who loved and valued that person.
Hopefully the family will find peace in God. If they realise that they will see their lad again and that he is safe now then maybe they can get through this hard time.
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