A tragic shooting death that occurred in Norristown, Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia, on Friday, is being treated by police as an accident. Pennsylvania State Trooper Joseph Miller was cleaning his .45 caliber handgun while his children and wife, JoAnne Miller, who was 22 weeks pregnant, were also home. He is alleged to have accidentally discharged the weapon, striking JoAnne in the head. She was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital. Emergency cesarean section to save the foetus was unsuccessful.

Firearms can be accidentally discharged if handled improperly while cleaning. A common mistake while cleaning semi-automatic handguns results in the gun remaining cocked and loaded when the user thinks the weapon is unloaded.

The magazine should be removed first, then the slide pulled to eject the round in the chamber. Reversing these steps leaves a bullet in the chamber and the hammer back, ready to fire.

Miller has been cooperating with investigators. His two children have been placed in the care of a relative.

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