Father is fined for guns used in fatal shooting

1/9/2013

HILLSDALE - The father of a Jefferson Township boy who accidentally shot and killed his best friend in late September was fined $150 yesterday after being found guilty of a firearms safety inspection violation.

William English, 38, appeared before District Judge Donald Sanderson on two charges of not properly registering his two handguns. One charge was dismissed. The two charges could have meant a maximum 90 days in jail.

Jame Bowditch, 13, died Sept. 30 when his 12-year-old friend shot him in the chest at the Englishes' Skuse Road home while the boys were alone.

Mr. English inherited the guns in May when his grandfather died. He apparently did not know one was loaded when he stored them.

The boy was charged with use of a firearm in a reckless manner and is on probation.