Monday, June 3, 2013

Gun suicides and mental health linked

Analysis: Local gun suicides and mental health linked
June 1, 2013
BY ERIC DEXHEIMER
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Sean F.’s July 2010 obituary in the American-Statesman said he had passed away “unexpectedly.” But the 39-year-old had already tried to kill himself twice before, his parents later told investigators — once, three years earlier, with a gun. He had bipolar disorder and possibly was schizophrenic, according to his autopsy report. The Austin Police Department had also identified him internally as an “EDP,” an emotionally disturbed person recognized by officers from previous contacts.

Yet, one week before he died, he was still able to purchase a gun. He then used the 9 mm handgun to shoot himself inside his North Austin apartment. (The Statesman isn’t using the full names of suicide victims because in some cases their families or friends couldn’t be reached.)

The recent nationwide discussion about gun violence has concentrated mainly on firearms used in homicides. Since December’s elementary school massacre in Newtown, Conn., lawmakers’ focus has been even more specifically on guns used in the sort of mass murders that fuel public outrage and prompt policy reforms.
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A few gun deaths from January 2013 on Wounded Times
Ex-Marine in recovery is Broward's first homicide victim of 2013
Florida mother kills infant son in murder-suicide attempt, police say
PTSD, a Navy SEAL and family left behind
Andrew Baumgartner was a Marine, who served in Afghanistan
Iraq veteran with PTSD getting help after shooting
Iraq veteran held on $3M bond in shooting deaths
Fort Riley soldier died of gunshot wound
Young veteran's suicide shatters air of stability
Mississippi State Rep. Jessica Upshaw found dead
Police officer found dead in New Jersey Park
Mississippi Police officer and suspect killed at Jackson Police Station
Missouri Soldier killed woman and unborn child to "protect career"
Fort Hood soldier who died of gunshot identified
Veteran's suicide resonates with loved ones, law enforcement, veterans officials
Fort Hood soldier on leave dies of gunshot wound

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