Dad faces weapons charge in shooting (Columbia, South Carolina)

Father GARY TRAVIS ROBERTS wasn't supposed to have a gun or ammo anyway, since he's a convicted felon (involuntary manslaughter). So is it suprising that dad was too irresponsible to secure his illegal weapons so his kids couldn't get at them? Result: the ten-year-old son is dead. (Though it sounds like the 13-year-old brother who shot him has been influenced by his father's less-than-stellar parental role modeling.)

http://www.wmbfnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=10705317

Father faces weapons charge in boy's shooting

Posted: Jul 10, 2009 8:18 AM CDT
Updated: Jul 10, 2009 8:22 AM CDT

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - The father of a South Carolina boy who shot and killed his 10-year-old brother has been indicted on a federal weapons charge.

The State reported Friday that 45-year-old Gary Travis Roberts of Cassatt is charged with possession of a gun and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Officials say a 13-year-old boy shot his younger brother, Gaylord Roberts, in March because he took his spot watching television. The teen pleaded guilty in May to voluntary manslaughter and is awaiting sentencing.

Gary Roberts is charged with illegal possession of the .22-caliber pump-action rifle used in the shooting. He had been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 1991 and was prohibited from having guns or ammunition.

He was charged by state officials with illegal neglect of a child. It was unclear if Roberts has an attorney.