A woman accidentally killed her own daughter as she was shooting at stray dogs that were attacking kittens in a dark yard.
Amanda Myrene Fields Moffett, 43, was convicted following a devastating incident in which Moffett accidentally shot and killed her 16-year-old daughter, Laramie, five years ago. The tragic event unfolded as she attempted to fend off a stray dog, according to a press release.
On the evening of October 5, 2018, Moffett's daughter informed her that a stray dog was menacing kittens outside their residence.
Acting on this information, Moffett, a Cherokee citizen hailing from Nowata, took her handgun and stepped out onto her front porch after sunset. In the darkness, she fired her weapon, mistakenly believing she was targeting the stray dog.
In a painful admission, Moffett acknowledged that she had failed to ensure her daughter's safety during this incident. The press release underscores the seriousness of the situation, stating: "Moffett also admitted that she did not make sure her daughter was out of harm's way."
U.S. Attorney Clinton Johnson emphasized the legal responsibility that comes with gun ownership, saying: "Every gun owner has the legal responsibility to use extreme caution when discharging a firearm. This case unfortunately highlights the potential tragic results absent that caution."
Initially charged with first-degree murder with deliberate intent in Nowata County District Court, Moffett's case was later dismissed due to questions surrounding the circumstances of the incident. Federal prosecutors decided to take up the case five years after the shooting, on September 16, per the Daily Mail.
As of now, a sentencing date for Moffett has not been established. However, officials have indicated that she could face a maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison. In the meantime, she remains on supervised release pending her sentencing, as outlined in the press release.
Tributes have poured in for the young victim, with loved ones remembering Laramie as a teenager passionate about rodeo sports.
An obituary for Laramie described her as always having a smile on her face and loving animals, especially her horses and show calves. She was an accomplished rider in rodeo, excelling in barrel racing and roping. Laramie had qualified for the world barrel racing finals in the National Barrel Horse Association.
Loved ones and friends have expressed their profound grief, with one mother of Laramie's friend stating, as cited by the Daily Mail: "I absolutely loved her and am so grateful for the friendship she and Emily shared. We will forever miss Laramie."
Our thoughts are with Laramie's loved ones during this time.
