Children of Slain Arizona Firearms Instructor Write Letter to 9-Year-Old Girl

On Friday, September 12, the ex-wife of slain Arizona weapons instructor, Charles Vacca, revealed her children plan to write a letter to the 9-year-old girl who accidentally shot their father. For those who missed it, Vacca’s shocking death made national headlines last month.

He was reportedly teaching the young girl how to operate a Uzi submachine gun at the Last Stop Bullets and Burgers range in White Hills, Arizona. The recoil inched the gun upward when she fired. Vacca was accidentally shot in the head.

Although the children are without their father, they are still able to show compassion toward the traumatized young girl. According to Good Morning America, the 39-year-old firearm instructor’s four children — Ashley, Elizabeth, Tyler and Christopher — recorded a video statement about their father while offering words of empathy and encouragement for the young girl.

Here’s a few highlights from their video.

“We don’t know your name, but we are connected through this tragedy,” said Vacca’s 11-year-old son, Christopher. “In the news we are just called the family, the 9-year-old girl and the instructor — but we do have names.”

The family of the 9-year-old girl also issued a statement in reference to the shooting.

“They are devastated by this accident that turned what was supposed to be a unique and brief excursion from their summer vacation into a life changing tragedy,” the statement read. “Words cannot express the family’s sadness about the accidental shooting of Charles Vacca. They prayed day and night that he would survive his injury, and they continue to pray for his family during this terribly difficult time.”

Prosecutors have stated they will not file charges. Vacca’s death has officially been ruled an accident.

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