As for the topic of this thread, what a fucking mess.
My initial thought was that it's inconceivable that anyone experienced with both, and where they kept them, could confuse a gun with a taser. But then I considered that on at least two occasions I've accidentally thrown my keys in the trash while retaining a piece of garbage. People do stupid shit, and that's probably exacerbated by the heat of the pertinent moment.
That's not to say it's an excusable error, only that I find such an error conceivable. I must say I find it much more conceivable than the cop deciding to shoot Wright dead, but first deceptively yelling "taser," and then feigning surprise and regret after the shot.
I'm not sure if that's the angle the prosecution is going to go for here, but looking at the statute, it seems like the only chance they have at a conviction.
It's unfortunate that MN doesn't have a criminal statute covering this conduct. But seeing as they don't, I'm not sure why they charged her. I suspect that the anger in the community played significant role in that decision.
If I'm right, that's rather disconcerting. The state should not be charging crimes the facts don't fit just because the masses want a conviction. That's not justice.