“A Vermont prosecutor says no charges will be filed in the shooting of a troubled Army veteran by one of his teenage children,” foxnews.com reports, “because the man was armed and threatening to kill his family.” Readers familiar with Oedipus Rex (or The Lion King) will appreciate that this incident is the dictionary definition of a tragedy (without the really weird bit). But it’s actually worse . . .
State’s Attorney T.J. Donovan says 44-year-old Kryn Miner was being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury from tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He says the conditions played a role in the behavior that led to Miner’s death.
Miner was killed at his Essex Junction home April 26. Authorities are not releasing the name or age of the child who fired six shots.
Miner served multiple tours, most recently in Afghanistan in 2010 with the Vermont National Guard.
So why wasn’t Miner hospitalized? Perhaps even institutionalized? That question is notable by its absence. Our condolences to his family. And here’sa horrible thought: it could have been much, much worse. [h/t MP]