The relationship between a mother and her son is a special one. The well-adjusted child always seeks his mother's approval. He tries to share with her all his achievements and shows off his accomplishments and acquisitions. As was the case in San Diego recently, where a 24-year-old man was demonstrating to his mom just how very kick-ass the new laser sight for his gun was. As he showed mom how the little red dot centres in on the target, though, he accidentally pulled the trigger and shot her.

Another family member who was present for the demonstration quickly called an ambulance, and the woman was taken to hospital. She died of the single gunshot less than an hour later.

After questioning the son and the other family member, police were leaning toward accepting the incident as an unfortunate accident. The investigation, however, is continuing. The identities of the woman, her son and the witness have not been released.

» Scott Saxon