Children of weapons instructor shot by uzi, killed, write letter to girl

LOS ANGELES -- The four children of a weapons instructor who was accidentally shot and killed by a 9-year-old student expressed a moving message to the girl Friday.

"We don't know your name, but we are connected by this tragedy," said Christopher Vacca, son of Charles Vacca.

Vacca was shot and killed last month as he stood next to the girl at an Arizona gun range. The uzi recoiled, pointing upward.

Vacca's four children decided to write a heart-felt letter to the student.

"You're only 9 years old. We think about you. We are worried about you. We pray for you," said son Tylor Vacca.

Family attorney Marc Lambert said the children wanted to show compassion toward the girl.

"It was important for them to express how badly they feel about her circumstances," Lambert said.

Just weeks after losing their father, their message wasn't just to the girl, but the world, about what kind of father Vacca was.

"Our dad wasn't just an instructor. He was funny, strong, a protector," said daughter Elizabeth Vacca.

The shooting has raised questions about how young is too young for children to handle weapons. Prosecutors aren't filing criminal charges, but the Vacca family's attorneys are investigating.

"The No. 1 goal from the family's perspective, is to get answers," said attorney James Goodnow.

At the same, the family also wants to send a message of forgiveness.

"Someday we hope we can meet you, hug you, and tell you it's OK," Christopher said.

Charles Vacca's children say their father would have also wanted the 9-year-old girl to move on with her life, and not let the incident define her.