Man arrested after cannon discharges in Southern California

 Posted on March 07, 2012 in Criminal Defense

The man's girlfriend was killed when the cannon discharged. Authorities have not identified the 38-year-old woman, who reportedly died of shrapnel wounds after the device exploded in the community of Potrero. Three other adults and a 4-year-old girl apparently were also inside the home at the time of the blast. The three other adults and the child were not injured. The man who has been arrested did suffer shrapnel wounds and received treatment at the hospital.

Authorities say that the 39-year-old man was arrested as police investigate the woman's death related to the incident. Authorities are apparently interrogating the man, although authorities have not found any motive to suggest any possible criminal intent. Officials claim that the man made a statement and law enforcement says they want to corroborate the man's story, "based on the evidence [investigators] find at the scene."

Authorities acknowledge that the incident may have been just a terrible accident.

A San Diego Sheriff's office spokesman says that they believe the man may have been under the influence of alcohol at his home when the accident occurred. Authorities believe the man put fireworks powder into the device before it discharged.

Media reports suggest that neighbors believe that the man who has been arrested "liked experimenting with guns." A neighbor reportedly told the media that it appears that "this experiment went bad."

The incident is a tragedy for all involved. The man who is in custody had reportedly lived in the Potrero home for roughly six years, and the couple had been together for roughly 11 years, according to news reports.

It is important to note that no charges have been filed in the tragic incident. A person who may be suspected of a crime in relation to any incident has the right to remain silent. Individuals suspected of a potential offense of any kind also have the right to have a criminal defense attorney present during police questioning.

Source: Associated Press via San Jose Mercury News, "California man whose cannon killed girlfriend lived 'on the edge'," Mar. 7, 2012