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Gun Club Official Testifies In Uzi Death Trial

SPRINGFIELD (AP) -- An official of the gun club where an 8-year-old Connecticut boy accidentally killed himself with an Uzi submachine gun at an exhibition has testified he wouldn't have allowed the child to fire the weapon.

Joseph Paul spoke under cross-examination Tuesday by the defense lawyer for a former police chief who co-sponsored the 2008 show. Edward Fleury has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in the death of Christopher Bizilj of Ashford, Conn.

Paul was the last prosecution witness on the trial's opening day. He said Fleury promoted the show and arranged for people to bring machine guns. Safety meetings were held to prepare. Paul said volunteers were responsible for safe gun-handling on firing ranges.

Prosecutor William Bennett said Fleury's "reckless and illegal actions" led to Christopher's death. Fleury's attorney said others made decisions leading to the accident.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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