On June 14, 2016, in San Antonio, Texas, 53-year-old Moises Olguin was involved in a tragic incident that led to his death. According to reports, Olguin and his friend, 59-year-old Ernest Tafolla, were moving items inside Tafolla's garage located in the 800 block of Vanderbilt Street. An argument ensued between the two men, during which Tafolla picked up a Crossman single-shot .177 pellet air rifle, pointed it at Olguin, and fired.
The pellet struck Olguin just above his eye, lodging in his brain. He was immediately taken to a hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, Olguin succumbed to his injuries on July 4, 2016.
Following the incident, Ernest Tafolla was arrested and charged with manslaughter. He claimed that the shooting was accidental, stating that as he picked up the air rifle to move it, it discharged unintentionally. A witness at the scene reported seeing the two men argue before Tafolla fired the shot. Tafolla described Olguin as being "like a brother" to him and expressed that the shooting was not intentional. He was released after posting a $30,000 bond.
Olguin's mother, while believing that Tafolla did not intend to kill her son, was certain that he meant to pull the trigger. Tafolla had sought her forgiveness following the incident, but she was not ready to grant it at that time.
This incident highlights the potential dangers associated with air rifles, which are often perceived as less lethal than traditional firearms. The case underscores the importance of handling all firearms, including air-powered ones, with the utmost care and responsibility to prevent such tragic outcomes.
