While I can understand your alarm at having such a brutal crime take place so close to you, your request for information in the form of a challenge (i.e., "So If anyone has the BALLS to respond...") is unnecessary. There's no need for a chip on your shoulder here.
That said, you are wise to have included "learn how to use it" on your to-do list. I suggest locating an NRA-certified Basic Pistol or Personal Protection instructor in your area, and signing on for one or both courses. You can locate instructors on the NRA website, or ask at local shooting ranges or gun shops.
As for what gun to buy, the best thing you can do is try to handle and/or fire several different types to see what fits your hand, points well for you, and which you can shoot well. Many instructors will have different guns you can try, and you should be able to find shooting ranges that will rent guns you can try. There are so many used and new, quality firearms on the market that making meaningful specific suggestions at this early stage in your search would be pretty pointless. General suggestions would include looking for calibers no smaller than .38 Special in revolvers, and 9x19mm (aka 9mm Luger or Parabellum) in pistols, and looking at brand names that have reputations for reliability and durability.
Feel free to ask more specific questions when you've started looking into the basics for yourself.
That said, you are wise to have included "learn how to use it" on your to-do list. I suggest locating an NRA-certified Basic Pistol or Personal Protection instructor in your area, and signing on for one or both courses. You can locate instructors on the NRA website, or ask at local shooting ranges or gun shops.
As for what gun to buy, the best thing you can do is try to handle and/or fire several different types to see what fits your hand, points well for you, and which you can shoot well. Many instructors will have different guns you can try, and you should be able to find shooting ranges that will rent guns you can try. There are so many used and new, quality firearms on the market that making meaningful specific suggestions at this early stage in your search would be pretty pointless. General suggestions would include looking for calibers no smaller than .38 Special in revolvers, and 9x19mm (aka 9mm Luger or Parabellum) in pistols, and looking at brand names that have reputations for reliability and durability.
Feel free to ask more specific questions when you've started looking into the basics for yourself.