Marysville cop goes on trial in daughter's death

BY Chris Sullivan  on November 5, 2012 @ 5:30 am (Updated: 6:03 am - 11/5/12 )

The manslaughter trial of a Marysville police officer charged in the accidental shooting death of his young daughter begins Monday in Everett.

Officer Derek Carlisle left his loaded .38 caliber handgun in the cup holder of his car when he got out to speak with friends last March, leaving his four young children alone with it.

His 3-year-old son, who was known to be fascinated by guns, got out of his car seat, grabbed the gun and shot his 7-year-old sister Jenna.

Carlisle's attorney, David Allen, says he believes the charges should have never been filed.

"We were really hoping that the prosecutor's office would not take this step," he said. "Derek is a trained law enforcement professional with an excellent record. This was a tragic accident, but it was just that, an accident. It wasn't a crime."

Allen tried to get the charge dismissed, but the state court of appeals decided last week the case should go to trial.

Officer Carlisle could go to prison for several years, if convicted.

Chris Sullivan, KIRO Radio Reporter
Chris loves the rush of covering breaking news and works hard to try to make sense of it all while telling stories about real people in extraordinary circumstances.
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Comments (16)


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  • RobertK wrote...
    stupid
    November 5, 2012 8:56 am
    I agree it is a tragic accident, but the real stupidity is why was a cop carrying a .38 special revolver? That alone is reckless and should be grounds for discipline. I don't think the man should face prison time, just banishment from being a LEO would suffice.
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  • WAmovesRight wrote...
    paritally agree...
    November 5, 2012 1:02 pm
    ... I'm not sure what the .38 revolver comment is about but it would probably be better if he found another profession. It would be hard to retain your confidence after an incident like this...

    This incident just makes me sick...

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  • Cash wrote...
    This is tragic as are the other incidents that happened at the same time
    November 5, 2012 1:19 pm
    But this Officer needs to be held to the same standard as the rest of them. Bottom line here is that he was reckless in leaving a loaded firearm in the cupholder of his van with 4 children inside of it. One of the kids shoots and kills another one with that gun. It was reckless no matter how to slice this pie up.

    I for the life of me can't figure out why he needed to carry a firearm on a family day headed to a wedding to start with? Yes I know it is his right as a cop and as a citizen but I just don't get it. Is it really necessary? I am guessing no but that is just me. I am all for carrying a gun on or off duty or as a citizen but is it really necessary to do it on a outing like this is all I am asking?

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