Amy Bishop’s Parents: Son’s Shooting An Accident

BOSTON — Amy Bishop’s parents have defended their daughter’s shooting of her brother in 1986, saying it was an accident.

Bishop’s mother says in inquest records that her daughter asked for help unloading a rifle and that when her son reached for it, the weapon discharged. She says her daughter’s hand wasn’t on the trigger.

Amy Bishop was indicted in the murder of her brother in June 2010, after she was charged with opening fire on co-workers at the University of Alabama in Huntsville in February 2010. Three people there were killed and three others wounded. Prosecutors say they intend to seek the death penalty.

The Boston Globe successfully challenged a judge’s decision to keep the inquest records sealed. It has received a redacted transcript of the closed-door inquest.