Marysville cop goes on trial in daughter’s death
Nov 5, 2012, 5:30 AM | Updated: 6:03 am
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.
