Shooter bought gun one day before attack at Azana Salon and Spa



BROOKFIELD (WITI) -- A newly released report shows Radcliffe Haughton bought the gun used in his deadly shooting rampage in a McDonald's parking lot in Germantown.

Haughton bought the .40 caliber pistol and three magazines for $500.  That transaction took place just one day before the shooting at the Azana Salon and Spa.  Haughton killed three women on October 21st, including his estranged wife, Zina Daniel, before shooting himself.

A report from the Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives says Haughton met the seller through the website Armslist.com.

The seller's name is not being released, but his attorney says he did not know Haughton was prohibited from possessing a firearm.  That information can be found online in Wisconsin Circuit Court records.

However, his attorney says the seller did do a background check on Haughton that didn't turn up any red flags.

"My client, quite frankly, didn't know of the Wisconsin Circuit Court automated program website.  He went to what he thought was the most reliable source for a background check, which was the Wisconsin Department of Justice," said attorney Julius Kim.

The seller isn't facing criminal charges because the transaction wasn't illegal.  Wisconsin law does not require weapons sellers do background checks at all.

One use of force instructor still believes the transaction was reckless.

"Personally, I wouldn't have sold a firearm to this individual.  He was too eager to purchase the firearm.  He was willing to pay the same day," said Pablo Velazquez of the Genesis Group.

Velazquez says there are extra steps the seller could have taken, which he recommends future sellers consider.

"Make sure there is a bill of sale.  Retain a copy of the bill of sale.  Maybe go as far as doing a contract to release each other of any liabilities," said Velazquez.

Kim says his client was horrified by news coverage of the shooting the next day and recognized Haughton's picture.

"He and his family have been terribly shaken up by this entire situation," said Kim.

The seller was contacted by agents within a day of the shooting.  He told them he had "not slept all night and was feeling physically ill about having sold a firearm to an individual who later used it to intentionally harm someone."

Kim says his client supports a background check requirement for all people buying firearms.  He says the man is a responsible gun owner.

Velazquez recommends people make all gun sales through reputable gun shops.