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News > Top Stories Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Family watched in shock after Roanoke shooting

ROANOKE -- Keli Atkins, a mother of three, was rooting for her 10-year-old daughter's softball team Friday and Saturday as it won games in a Southlake tournament.

But in the wee hours Sunday, Atkins, 32, of Sweetwater lay dying beside a motel swimming pool from a gunshot wound in the chest as a nurse tried to revive her through CPR. Family members watched in horror, according to the 911 recording released Monday.

Atkins' 24-year-old brother, Aric McGowan, had accidentally shot her, police say, and he was screaming while their sister Melissa cried. Brother-in-law Chester Eli Cunningham had quickly grabbed a phone and dialed 911.

Cunningham, a deputy sheriff, told the dispatcher that McGowan had picked up Cunningham's revolver and accidentally shot his own sister, according to the tape.

"It's fine, he didn't understand it was an off-duty weapon," Cunningham tells the dispatcher when she asks where the shooter was. "He's drunk," he added later.

McGowan was arrested Sunday on suspicion of manslaughter. He posted $25,000 bail and was released later that day. Police say they are trying to determine how the shooting occurred and to what degree alcohol was a factor.

The accident

The family was in town for a Southlake softball tournament. The three adult siblings and Cunningham were relaxing by the pool at a Best Western Inn and Suites about 1:30 a.m. when the shooting occurred.

Cunningham, 24, had left his revolver tucked inside his pants and placed them on a table before jumping into the water, officials said. McGowan picked up the revolver and somehow fired one shot into his sister's chest, records show.

On the 911 recording, McGowan can be heard in the background cursing and yelling, asking why a real gun was left by the pool.

Family ties

The slaying has rocked the small Denton County town of Roanoke, where police have worked numerous fatal accidents but very rarely a shooting. Police are trying to be particularly sensitive as they handle the case.

"This is an unfortunate incident that happened between family members in front of other family members," said Sgt. Chris Almonrode. "We are allowing people to grieve while conducting the investigation."

The other 10 members of the West Texas Heat softball team and their families had also been staying at the motel. The team withdrew from the tournament about 7 a.m. Sunday and went home, said tournament director Matt Tuggey. The team had been in the winners' bracket and expected to take one of the top three places, Tuggey said.

The kids

Atkins was taken by helicopter ambulance to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, where she died about an hour later. Her death was ruled a homicide by the Tarrant County medical examiner, records show.

Atkins' children -- ages 3, 10 and 12 -- were asleep in an upstairs motel room when the shooting occurred. An aunt broke the news to to them in the morning, Almonrode said. Atkins' husband, who was not on the trip with his family, met with police Monday

"He knows what he needs to do to be a good father to those kids," Almonrode said. "From what we can gather, they have a strong family and support network."

Firearm safety

According to the National Safety Council, 649 Americans died as a result of an accidental firearm discharge in 2004, the most recent data available. Here are some safety suggestions.

Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

Never pass a firearm to another person, or accept a firearm from another person, until the cylinder or action is open and you've personally checked that the weapon is completely unloaded.

Before handling any firearm, understand its operation.

Never rely on any mechanical device for safety.

Never joke around or engage in horseplay while handling or using firearms.

Be alert at all times; never shoot if you're tired, cold or impaired in any way. Don't mix alcohol or drugs with shooting.

SOURCE: Texans for Gun Safety

mvargas@star-telegram.com
MELISSA VARGAS, 817-685-3888