WKBN-TV: Mangino comments on Mercer County shooting

Click to see interview: http://www.wkbn.com/content/news/local/story/Friends-and-Neighbors-Remember-Child-Shot-in/StSD80Ml4EOOVewoL5DVmA.cspx

Craig Loughrey was shot and killed Saturday in the parking lot at Twig's Reloading Den in Mercer County. Pennsylvania State Police said his father, Joseph Loughrey's gun went off from the center console in his truck, hitting his son in the chest.

"Believe dad was setting the weapon down when it went off," said Lt. Eric Hermick, Pennsylvania State Police, reported WKBN-TV. "What he believed to be it was unloaded at the time. The magazine in the weapon was unloaded, but however there was one in the chamber of the gun."

Pennsylvania State Police officials said all evidence suggests this shooting was an accident.

The Mercer County District Attorney will wait to receive results from Sunday's scheduled autopsy of Craig Loughrey before deciding if any charges could be filed in the case.

Former Lawrence County District Attorney, Matt Mangino said this case is similar to a recent Western Pennsylvania trial in which gross negligence could not be proved, which is required for involuntary manslaughter.

"I think he's going to take into consideration the circumstances. We know from a news account that this is a distraught father who accidentally shot his 7 year old. What more can you do to hold someone accountable who's taken the life of a 7 year old?" Mangino told WKBN.

Mangino added that potential charges in this case could include involuntary manslaughter, reckless endangerment and endangering the welfare of a child.