Paul Talmadge Smith, 43, died at his home in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, after a firearm discharged during a family demonstration about handling and safety. Earlier that evening Paul had removed the magazine from his Beretta pistol while showing his mother-in-law how to hold the weapon, then reportedly reinserted the magazine before placing the gun on a table.

Shortly afterward his wife, 43-year-old Heidi Christina Smith, picked up the pistol and it discharged, fatally wounding Paul. His father told a court he believed the shooting was a tragic accident and urged the magistrate to release Heidi. She was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter; a judge set bail at $5,000 and initial legal proceedings began.

Are there readers who knew Paul or were in Murrells Inlet at the time who can share observations about that night or the family’s activities?