Jaw-dropping final words of IRS agent accidentally 'shot and killed by coworker' while training
An IRS agent who was allegedly shot dead by his coworker following a training session called his accused shooter 'an effing idiot' in his final words.
Internal Review Service (IRS) Special Agent Patrick Bauer, 47, was tragically killed on August 17, 2023, after leading pistol qualifications and classroom training exercises for 16 Special Agents, according to an indictment viewed by the DailyMail.com.
Following the training session, agent Larry Edward Brown Jr., 42, or Peoria, Illinois, entered the one-room building known as the 'Tower' at the Federal Correctional Institution Phoenix.
Allegedly handling 'his firearm without due caution and reckless disregard for human life,' Bauer shot Bauer in the torso, the filing claims.
The firearms instructor and 15-year veteran of IRS-CI received life-saving treatment at the scene from EMS and hospital staff but died as a result of the gunshot.
Brown was indicted on February 28 by the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, on one count of Involuntary Manslaughter of an Officer of the United States.
His trial is expected to begin on February 5, where Bauer's last words will be shared with the courtroom, AZFamily reported.
Russ Richelsoph, a criminal defense attorney not affiliated with the case, told the outlet that Bauer's final statement will play a key role in deciding Brown's fate.
Patrick Bauer, 47, (pictured) was tragically killed on August 17, 2023 inside a small structure known as the 'Tower' after he was allegedly shot by fellow IRS Agent Larry Edward Brown Jr., 42
Brown was indicted on February 28 by the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Arizona, on one count of Involuntary Manslaughter of an Officer of the United States
'It is identifying the person who discharged the weapon. We know who shot the victim in the case, but it’s also giving an opinion about that person’s behavior,' Richelsoph said.
Although hearsay, or a statement made out of court, is typically not allowed during trial, in this case, the judge ruled Bauer's words admissible under an 'excited utterance' exception.
'The idea behind the excited utterance is something that somebody says in the heat of the moment as something is happening, is considered more reliable than something that somebody is reporting upon reflection,' Richelsoph explained.
The filing also shed light on what Brown said when he was taken to the hospital after the shooting to be treated for shock.
'I'm a use of force instructor - I should know better, ' Brown allegedly said.
During the trial, the judge will also allow the defense team to present findings that Bauer might have made it out alive if the gun range had an emergency action plan, and if first responders arrived at the location sooner.
Despite that, Richelsoph said the expert testimony might not prove that Brown is innocent.
'It could be argued as mitigation, but generally that's not allowed to prove somebody is not guilty,' he said, adding that it's hard to know what truly happened in the 'Tower' that day.
During the training session, only training guns, or 'red guns' - Glock-pistols with firing pins removed, painted bright red to distinguish them from other weapons - were allowed, according to the indictment.
Brown's trial is expected to begin on February 5, where Bauer's last words, "Larry's an effing idiot,' will be shared with the courtroom. (Pictured: Bauer and his wife Carrie)
The 'Tower' (picture) is a stand-alone structure that measures at about eight feet by nine feet. The training exercises are not conducted inside the building
After training concluded, Brown and another IRS-CI agent entered the 'Tower' to escape the heat, but the other unnamed agent eventually left to retrieve his phone. (Pictured: Interior of the 'Tower')
'Live fire' weapons were not allowed inside the small building, 'and everyone was patted down before they entered' to make sure they did not have the prohibited weapons on them, it continued.
'Red guns were carefully counted before and after each defensive tactics session,' the legal filing added.
The 'Tower' is a stand-alone structure that measures at about eight feet by nine feet, and training exercises are not conducted inside the building.
After training concluded, Brown and another IRS-CI agent had entered the 'Tower' to escape the heat, but the other unnamed agent eventually left to retrieve his phone.
Just moments later, that same agent who left the building heard Brown yell 'I f***ed up, I shot Pat!' the indictment read.
Brown and the other agent urgently called 911 before the Phoenix Fire Department and Phoenix Police arrived at the scene.
Bauer was rushed to a Level 1 trauma center where he was pronounced dead. The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide.
Bauer, who was also a retired master sergeant for the Arizona Air National Guard, is survived by his wife Carrie and their four children, Rachel, Lauren, Aidan, and Katelyn
He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1994 to help him pay for college, but he stuck with it for 22 years 'after developing an intense love and admiration for this job'
Bauer, who was also a retired master sergeant for the Arizona Air National Guard, is survived by his wife Carrie and their four children, Rachel, Lauren, Aidan, and Katelyn, according to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1994 to help him pay for college, but he stuck with it for 22 years 'after developing an intense love and admiration for this job.'
In 2008, he became an IRS Special Agent, quickly developing a love for his career.
Throughout his time in the service, Bauer received many honors, including an Air Force Commendation Medal, an IRS Outstanding Investigative Work Award, as well as achieving 25 years of government service.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Glendale, Arizona, with his three siblings.
He met his wife of 24 years while working at McDonald's together, the foundation said.
Following his death, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation graciously donated a mortgage-free home to Bauer's wife and kids.
Throughout his time in the service, Bauer received many honors, including an Air Force Commendation Medal, an IRS Outstanding Investigative Work Award, as well as achieving 25 years of government service
'Finally, Carrie would like others to know that her husband was a wonderful husband of 24 years and father of four,' the page said.
'He devoted his life to serving others, both as an IRS Agent and in the Arizona Air National Guard. Bauer was incredibly humble and hard-working. He is severely missed.'
A year after his sudden death, many of Bauer's fellow service men and women honored him in heartfelt statements.
'Thank you for your service and sacrifice. "In valor there is hope.",' Recruit N. George with the Albany County Sheriff's Office Public Safety Institute Session 6 said.
'My dearest friend, fellow agent and leader....Words cannot express how deeply hurt and sadden we all are. You are truly one of a kind and a man that many of us can only hope to be one day,' Special Agent Patrick Taylor with the IRS-Criminal Investigation team wrote.
'I can't imagine going on without you, your knowledge, your friendship, and comradery. You were truly my brother and someone I would give my own life for. May you rest in Peace with our Father....I LOVE YOU BROTHER!!!!'
'Pat, you are a true professional and good friend. It's still unreal that I won't see you again,' Special Agent Joel Ernst with the IRS-Criminal Investigation team shared.
