Man Accidentally Shoots Fiance Day Before Wedding

[Bigum1969]

Sad and tragic story. It shows that you really need to have situational awareness when you are in a self defense situation. He simply did not realize his fiance was not in bed with him.

Police: Fla. man accidentally shoots and kills fiancee in home on day before planned wedding -- latimes.com

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. (AP) — A man who thought there was an intruder in his house shot and killed his fiancee the day before they were to be married, police said Friday.

"Right now everything points to a tragic accident," Police Chief Kevin Brunelle told The Associated Press, adding investigators were awaiting forensic results.

John Tabutt, 62, told investigators he got his gun when he thought he heard an intruder, then fired at a figure in the hallway, according to Brunelle. It was Tabutt's live-in fiancee, 62-year-old Nancy Dinsmore, who family members say he was going to marry Saturday. Tabutt told authorities he thought she was next to him in bed the whole time.

A message left for a phone number listed for the house was not returned.

Brunelle said no charges have been filed against Tabutt, adding the information he provided has been verified and he appeared "very distraught."

Tabutt was "very concerned about her well-being," standing by while she was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, Brunelle added.

The couple planned to wed in a small ceremony Saturday at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Winter Springs, Dinsmore's son-in-law Scott Sposato, of Vero Beach, told the Orlando Sentinel.

"They loved each other," he said. "It was quite apparent."

Tabutt called 911 shortly after 2:30 a.m. Friday, moaning and sobbing, the newspaper reported.

"I thought I had an intruder in the house," he told the emergency dispatcher. "Honest to God, she looks dead."

He then thought he heard her take a breath.

"Hang in there, Honey. Hang in there," he said.

Winter Springs is about 15 miles north of Orlando.

 

[Beau]

Man that is sad. Illustrates the importance of knowing your target. I keep a flashlight by the bed. When I can afford it I will be getting a light attachment for my HD pistol.

Another thing. If I get up to investigate a noise the first thing I do is make sure the kids are in their beds.

 

[ATM]

Tragic consequence of horrible decision to fire on unidentified figure. Can't imagine carrying that burden after the fact.

Flashlight. Flashlight. Flashlight.

 

[Bigum1969]

Man that is sad. Illustrates the importance of knowing your target. I keep a flashlight by the bed. When I can afford it I will be getting a light attachment for my HD pistol.

Another thing. If I get up to investigate a noise the first thing I do is make sure the kids are in their beds.

You bring up some great points. I make sure I know where my son and wife are before I investigate anything. This story illustrates the worst possible scenario. Truly sad.

 

[Bigum1969]

Tragic consequence of horrible decision to fire on unidentified figure. Can't imagine carrying that burden after the fact.

Flashlight. Flashlight. Flashlight.

YES. YES. YES.

 

[Indecision]

That's rediculous. I can't believe stuff likes this happens.

 

[remymartin]

+1 for flashlights. If I get up in the middle of the night to investigate anything, my streamlight is usually grabbed before my weapon is. sad story. Just a reminder to be safe and know your target.

 

[The Meach]

yep, flashlight would have saved a life here.

Prayers for Him, Her, and their families

 

[SC_Shooter]

Another +1 for flashlights. What a terrible situation for this guy and both their families.

 

[ihateiraq]

sad story. it also raises the question, who gets married in their 60s?

 

[dburkhead]

sad story. it also raises the question, who gets married in their 60s?

Lots of people.

 

[jd3772000]

Lots of people.

Yes. People get married at all ages. Seems they were deeply in love. Couldn't immagine holding the burden of this in my head or heart. This makes me really want that streamlight for my M&P now.

Sad story....Prayers sent.

 

[elaw555]

Very sad...

Handheld flashlight...make sure to ID the target.

Godspeed

 

[Eiffelman]

Sounds like Alzheimer's with a gun.

 

[czar996]

I was thinking a 62 yr old should know better than to get married.

 

[g00n24]

Horrible story...cant wait to hear all the anti's telling us this is why it is more dangerous to have a gun in the house then to not have one.

 

[38special]

NEVER EVER EVER blind fire!

That's gun use 101.

 

[customizef]

Man that's terrible. How sad. Again another speechless moment from me.

 

[Fireman610]

I got married on the same day they were supposed to... just goes to show and prove to cherish every moment you have to spend with that special someone once you find them, good ones are hard to come by these days. I consider myself quite lucky and endebted to the good lord above for granting me such an oppertunity to find to fight with and to make up with such a wonderful woman.... I dont know how i would ever handle a situation of her getting seriously injured.. much less at my own hands