Pensioner Shot Dead By Cops.

[Major Starbold]

Was this shooting death necessary, was he actually threatening anyone?

Were the cops a bit hasty in shooting this pensioner?

Pensioner shot dead by police after armed siege at retirement complex - Telegraph

Pensioner shot dead by police after armed siege at retirement complex
A pensioner has been shot dead by police in a village retirement complex after an armed siege.

Last Updated: 8:48PM BST 08 May 2009

Mervyn Tussler, 64, was killed after a three-hour stand-off with marksmen outside the flats in the picturesque village of Fernhurst.

There were initial reports that the man may have been holding his wife hostage but it later emerged that he was alone in his home.

[Ben]

Do you get a pension at 64 these days?

[Major Starbold]

Do you get a pension at 64 these days?

Could be to do with him being a carer for his sick wife, early retirement, private pension or similar.
Someone will tell us.

[Earl]

Sounds like he wanted to get shot. I doubt he even had a gun, probably a replica.

[Major Starbold]

I reckon there will be more to come on this one.

[timey]

The thing is, we can never know. If we are not in the position the cops are in. They have to make quick judgements and consider the safety of others. If someone starts a siege situation then they only have themselves to blame.

[timey]

BBC NEWS | England | Sussex | Shot man 'upset about sick wife'

Reading this does make feel a bit sorry for him though, and his wife.

[syl1]

This story is so sad. Looking after his sick wife, especially with the non help, most people get, when in this situation, he was probably driven to distraction.
The story I read,.. he had been told his wife would have to be taken into a nursing home, and he would no longer be able to be with her. So he snapped. The police apparently shot, then shouted, "get an ambulance, we've stunned him"!!! A bit more than stunned.

[mimseycal]

Sounds like he wanted to get shot. I doubt he even had a gun, probably a replica.

Suicide by cop? It is not unheard of. Doubt it is the case here.

It seems inhumane ripping couples apart but sometimes that is the only solution. Having said that, there is very little support for carers that struggle to cope with everything. Maybe earlier intervention and support may have meant a better outcome for the man and his wife.

We'll probable hear more of the details as they emerge. Having said that, seeing as there is now a police shooting involved, be prepared for some highly biased details emerging and stand ready with your shovel of salt.

[Earl]

Why else would he make such a fuss, for attention?