I don't mean to sound unsympathetic, but this story is an example of what I like to call modern Darwinism. And over the years, I have found that guns often play a role in modern Darwinism.


Bartender fatally shoots himself in Lawrenceville
Thursday, January 27, 2011
By Sadie Gurman and Moriah Balingit, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh police said a Lawrenceville bartender argued with relatives Wednesday night before he went to a bar and accidentally shot himself in the head with a gun that was kept there.

John Popinski, 52, shot himself about 11 p.m. inside Salac's Bar, in the 4500 block of Butler Street, which was closed at the time. Mr. Popinski had a key and went there with his teenage son after "having some arguments" with family members, Cmdr. Thomas Stangrecki said.

The son called 911 to report that his father was shot. An arson detective who arrived found the front door locked but could hear screaming inside. He tried to kick open the door but couldn't get inside until someone with a key arrived.

Inside, the detective found Mr. Popinski shot in the head but apparently still alive. He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian in critical condition and was pronounced dead there at 11:36 p.m., the Allegheny County medical examiner's office said.

A .357 revolver was recovered at the scene. Police believe Mr. Popinski was playing with the gun, which is kept inside the bar, Cmdr. Stangrecki said.

"It appears he caused his own injury," he said.