Chicago Police: Father of Slain Boy Got Gun for Protection

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Chicago Police: Father of Slain Boy Got Gun for Protection

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS CHICAGO — Oct 18, 2015, 1:07 PM ET

Chicago police say a man who was charged with felony child endangerment after his 6-year-old son accidentally shot and killed his 3-year-old brother told investigators that he got the gun illegally from a gang member.

Police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi says that 25-year-old Michael Santiago told investigators that he was a former gang member and felt he needed the gun to protect his family.

The shooting occurred Saturday night. Guglielmi says the older boy and his younger brother wanted to play "cops and robbers" when the older boy retrieved the loaded handgun from atop the refrigerator. The older boy shot 3-year-old Eian Santiago in the face.

Santiago is scheduled to appear in bond court on Sunday and Guglielmi says police are trying to trace the gun.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/chicago-police-year-fatally-shot-brother-34553307

[Duckhunter935]

1. Looks like he needs some jail time

And also the person that illegally sold that weapon to him. Once again, gangs are a big part.

[LiberalArkie]

2. He didn't do anything illegal did he? It is legal for a non felon to purchase a gun

from an individual, isn't it?

[gejohnston]

3. Yes he did

He did not have an Illinois Firearms Owners IDentification. AKA FOID.
They did not meet at a licensed gun dealer for the background check, required in IL
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/08/19/us-usa-guns-illinois-idUSBRE97I00X20130819

Also, it was not registered as required in the City of Chicago.

While he did not violate federal gun laws, but he did IL and Chicago. Of course, if he was a resident of a different state than the seller, that would be violating the Gun Control Act unless it is shipped to a licensed dealer in the buyer's home state for background check etc. That is how internet sales work. For example, if Ted Cruz were to sell a gun to Trump and simply hand it to him, that would violate federal law.

[ileus]

4. A gun can't protect you on top of the fridge.

and in examples like this, could cause more harm than good...