I clear my gun by firing it into a target. Or a deer. Or, if none are available, I will dump water down the barrel of my muzzleloader with a turkey baster until it comes out the nipple in a black slushy ooze.......firing it over the trees is reprehensible and preventable. He should be charged with manslaughter.
I like your answer..but could it have happened? Or is there something a-miss here?