Media Release December 31, 2014 Hayden, ID - *Update to earlier release regarding the accidental shooting incident that occurred on December 30, 2014 at the Hayden Walmart store. Detectives attended the autopsy this morning for shooting victim, Veronica J. Rutledge and new details are being released. Mrs. Rutledge had been shopping in the Hayden Walmart with her two-year old son and three other relatives under the age of eleven. While her son was seated in the shopping cart and Mrs. Rutledge was within a few feet of the cart, her son accessed Mrs. Rutledge’s concealed 9mm Smith & Wesson M&P ShieldTM semi-automatic handgun from her purse. The purse was specifically designed for concealed carry of a firearm and was new to her. The two-year old removed the firearm from the purse and fired one bullet from the pistol. The bullet struck Mrs. Rutledge in the head, killing her instantly. The Walmart store manager, who was nearby when the gun was fired, stepped in and removed the firearm from the child. The manager and store employees reacted quickly and efficiently to secure the scene and escort the patrons from the store as first responders were arriving. Detectives have recovered the store’s video and are in the process of examining it. They are also examining the weapon to include the safety mechanism and ballistics and conducting follow up interviews with witnesses. Further information is not available at this time. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for the outpouring of support for the family and friends of Mrs. Rutledge as well as the first responders. To Veronica’s family, we offer our sincerest condolences. Ben Wolfinger, Sheriff By: Lieutenant Stu Miller
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 23:59:14 +0000
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