CINCINNATI, OH – A 77-year-old woman faces charges of reckless homicide following an incident in which a man was fatally shot in the groin. Documents from Hamilton County Municipal Court outline that Kathleen Geiger allegedly shot 58-year-old Arthur Osborne in the lower abdominal area.
Court records reveal that Geiger and Osborne were engaged in what was perceived as a lighthearted exchange when Osborne jokingly asked Geiger to shoot him. Obliging the unusual request, Geiger asserted she thought her firearm was unloaded when she aimed at Osborne and fired.
Authorities from the Cincinnati police arrived at the scene around 7:47 p.m. on Sunday, responding to the incident reported on the 2700 block of East Tower Drive. Initial reports indicate that Geiger attempted to provide first aid to Osborne and promptly contacted emergency services. Despite her efforts, Osborne was declared deceased at the location.
During a court appearance on Monday, Geiger’s bail was established at $10,000. In the courtroom, prosecutors emphasized the severe responsibility that comes with handling firearms. They pointed out the lack of discretion shown by Geiger, stating, “Everyone who possesses a firearm has a responsibility to do it responsibly. You never point a firearm at anything and pull the trigger unless you intend to destroy it.”
The legal proceedings are set to continue with another hearing scheduled for October 31. Prosecutors remain adamant that the nature of the alleged joke does not absolve the seriousness of the incident.
The shooting has raised concerns about gun safety and the importance of proper firearm handling. It serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of negligence, especially among those who may underestimate the danger of firearms, assuming they are not loaded.
The tragic incident underscores the critical need for awareness and education about gun responsibility, particularly the essential rule to never point a weapon at anyone under any circumstances, even if presumed unloaded.