Here’s the story of an accidental shooting that may well have been taken from the pages of any United States newspaper. It is noteworthy because the event occurred in nineteenth century London.
“James Parker, a fine young man, aged 17, met his death last week under the following distressing circumstances. The deceased, the nephew of Mr. James Hayes, paid a visit in company with the family of that gentleman to Mr. Barham, in Cold-harbour-lane, Brixton, on Sunday se’nnight. On their arrival they were introduced into a back parlour, where they had been but a short time, when the deceased said “I perceive you have a gun, Mrs. Barham.” His uncle desired him not to touch it, upon which Mrs. Barham observed that her husband did not allow it to be loaded in the house. Mr. Hayes then examined the piece, and finding no powder in the pan, he snapped it twice under the grate, and gave it to the deceased to put away. At that moment Mrs. Barham said “James, give it to me, I know how to let it off,” and taking the gun, she pointed the muzzle towards the deceased, jocularly saying–“Now mind yourself, James :” at that moment the piece went off, when the whole charge struck the deceased between the eyes, and he instantly sunk in his chair a corpse. A verdict of accidentally shot was returned, and the piece condemned as deodand.”
Stamford Mercury, 9th May, 1828.