Another police report

This backs up the account I was given last night on what happened on Wednesday night in the Gilchrist Township shooting.

The police report added this information:
Once law enforcement personnel responded to the 9-1-1 call about the shooting Wednesday night, they found a woman outside the home. The deceased person, Anthony Tullis, was inside the home. The woman admitted she shot him.

The report added that the woman said she was forced into a bedroom and assaulted for over five hours. The source I have says she was bruised "from head to toe". Also in the account I heard, the gun didn't just magically appear right before the shooting. The gun had been a part of the five hour-ordeal that the woman went through.

My take:
What stands out for me is this: the woman is not and never was in custody. She was questioned after the shooting, but the cops didn't have evidence at the time to detain her. If evidence of manslaughter or murder existed, she'd be in custody. It's a terribly unpleasant thought to think that the domestic violence story above is true. After a thorough review of the evidence charges could still be pressed. The system has to work through it.

Also, it's a huge understatement to say that hard feelings and feelings of anger are racing through our community right now. Unanswered questions. Confusion. Speculation. Continued rumors. It'd be helpful if people calmed down and had patience while more information is released by law enforcement. On Facebook, I was horrified to read one statement by an individual from Pillager, MN who suggested the woman who shot Tullis should essentially watch her back...and other comments I can't repeat on here. What the hell is that all about? How sick and twisted is that? The fact is she's barely an adult and also has a family who cares deeply for her and needs support and prayers to get them through this.

As I said yesterday, please continue praying for Tullis's family. In a small town and a small school, we should set an example of compassion for those who are in mourning and who are recovering from a tragedy that could be ripped out of a day time soap opera story line. It's sickening. But we don't live in a perfect world. We have to cope with the cards we're dealt and make the most of the lives we're given. We can rise above this. We can comfort one another and do whatever we have to do to help those who are hurting and pray for healing.

When I hear about funeral arrangements, I'll post that ASAP.