Eastern Sierra News
Written by Tom Woods Thursday, 24 September 2009 15:26
We spoke to Kyle Orr with Fish and Game this afternoon he explained that no charges had been filed, but charges have not been ruled out either.
Of the incident, Orr says that a male subject was having a picnic with a female companion, when the sow approached. The couple retreated from what Orr says was a 175 pound animal which then proceeded to eat their food. Another unknown person saw what was happening and approached and offered to scare or “haze” the bear away and did so.
When the bear returned, the man went to his vehicle and retrieved a “large caliber,” pistol and shot the sow from a distance of 20 yards, striking the bear in the head, said DFG's Orr.Nancy Upham with the Forest Service reports that the man has claimed self defense but says that if the game warden decides that the shooting was not self defense, there could be a “hefty fine.” Mammoth Wildlife Manager Steve Searles has said that there was no bluff charge or swipes by the bear towards the people.
Mammoth Police report that the man, a resident of Victorville, called Mono dispatch to report the incident and stayed on scene until officers arrived.
The Forest Service could charge the man for discharging a firearm in the Lakes Basin. The Lakes Basin is inside the jurisdiction of the Town of Mammoth, so police could file firearm charges as well, but it appears that both are waiting to see the result of the Fish and Game investigations.
Orr couldn’t speculate as to when the investigation would wrap up. He did explain that the investigation results would be turned over to the Mono District Attorney’s office if the facts turn out to warrant that action.
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written by dot , September 24, 2009
written by dot , September 24, 2009
is this photo really necessary?
EDITOR'S NOTE:
We discussed this in the newsroom and decided that the reality of the story is best illustrated by this photograph.
Benett Kessler
Votes: +1
EDITOR'S NOTE:
We discussed this in the newsroom and decided that the reality of the story is best illustrated by this photograph.
Benett Kessler
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written by Native Californian , September 24, 2009
written by Native Californian , September 24, 2009
As the old saying goes, A Picture Worth a Thousand Words.
Votes: -1
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written by Wayne Deja , September 24, 2009
written by Wayne Deja , September 24, 2009
Heartbreaking photo and story....many crime victims always wish they could get their hands on their assailant after he or she has been arrested and brought in to face trial....judging the posts and opinions regarding the killing of this bear,and now this photo of what he did,would like to see what would happen if this guy comes into Mammoth again,and is recognized by eyewitnesses to the crime that he did.....Fish and Game,MLPD,you will get a LOT of respect back from a lot of people if you charge this ass with everything possible for killing this bear,lying about what happened,and discharging a powerful weapon in city limits.
Votes: -2
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written by richard egan , September 24, 2009
written by richard egan , September 24, 2009
they should make a bear skin rug, then auction it off and give the proceeds to charity. at least some good would come of the whole situation.
Votes: -5
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written by upthecreek , September 24, 2009
written by upthecreek , September 24, 2009
maybe the idiot never heard of Bear Spray.
give me a break.
Votes: -5
give me a break.
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written by Darlene Nichols , September 25, 2009
written by Darlene Nichols , September 25, 2009
What if the shooter had missed the bear and shot another person. This sounds like he was ready and looking to shoot something since he came prepared with a weapon on hand. I cannot believe the MLPD have not cited him already for reckless endangerment.
I think I am more afraid of the visitors than the bears.
Votes: -2
I think I am more afraid of the visitors than the bears.
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written by bltnmammoth , September 25, 2009
written by bltnmammoth , September 25, 2009
dot....You bet it is necessary! If it makes you cringe or think twice, it was effective.
Thank you Bennett
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Thank you Bennett
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written by Bob , September 25, 2009
written by Bob , September 25, 2009
In my opinion MLPD isn't moving fast enough on this. The man should be arrested immediately, and he would have been if he was drunk in public.
What are they waiting for?
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What are they waiting for?
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written by Donald E. Salac , September 25, 2009
written by Donald E. Salac , September 25, 2009
Clarification.
The bear on the California state flag is a Grizzly not a Black.
The last Grizzly in Southern Cal. was shot in Siverado Canyon in 1903.
The Grizzly was declared extinct in California in 1924.
Don't ask me why it's still on the flag.
Votes: -5
The bear on the California state flag is a Grizzly not a Black.
The last Grizzly in Southern Cal. was shot in Siverado Canyon in 1903.
The Grizzly was declared extinct in California in 1924.
Don't ask me why it's still on the flag.
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written by Donald E. Salac , September 25, 2009
written by Donald E. Salac , September 25, 2009
I agree with you on the photo Bennet. The only thing more pathetic than that scene is the bastard that pulled the trigger.
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written by Eastern Sierran , September 25, 2009
written by Eastern Sierran , September 25, 2009
We still don't have a conclusive set of facts, or even an official statement, so conclusions are inherently speculative. There are also quite a few people who would use any killing of a bear in Mammoth as an opportunity to push their own point of view.
I think the picture is inflammatory. I don't think it looks any different than a picture of bear that's been killed as a result of a legal hunt, and I don't see KSRW posting those pictures. I think KSRW should conceal the picture behind a link with a warning of its graphic nature.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Sometimes reality is not pretty. This real story is about the shooting of a bear that is under investigation by DFG law enforcement and others. We have found over the years that it's best to reveal as much as possible about a situation.
Benett Kessler
Votes: -1
I think the picture is inflammatory. I don't think it looks any different than a picture of bear that's been killed as a result of a legal hunt, and I don't see KSRW posting those pictures. I think KSRW should conceal the picture behind a link with a warning of its graphic nature.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Sometimes reality is not pretty. This real story is about the shooting of a bear that is under investigation by DFG law enforcement and others. We have found over the years that it's best to reveal as much as possible about a situation.
Benett Kessler
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written by Samantha Goodheart , September 25, 2009
written by Samantha Goodheart , September 25, 2009
When I'm faced with predators like coyotes or bears my first gunshots go into the ground and not into the animal. Most effective!
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written by Rita Klabacha , September 26, 2009
written by Rita Klabacha , September 26, 2009
Wouldn't this person's best act of "self-defense" have been to DRIVE AWAY?
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written by Mike McElvogue , September 26, 2009
written by Mike McElvogue , September 26, 2009
I understand that we live in a cruel world but the reality is that showing this dead animal does little to improve the quality of your reporting. In fact I think it detracts from your story since some of us would rather not read the story with the picture glaring at us from the screen. If you can report your story good enough, we can visualize the harsh reality of the death of this animal. Now, if you would show the prepetrator in handcuffs and behind bars, I would have no complaints about that.
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written by Splube , September 26, 2009
written by Splube , September 26, 2009
You are a bunch of tree hugging morons. You all act like he killed a harmless little hamster. Be thankful you've never been a victim of a bear attack.
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written by Wayne Deja , September 27, 2009
written by Wayne Deja , September 27, 2009
Responding to comment by "splube"....It is obvious with your comment you are just trying to get a reaction against what people are saying and thinking here....I think they call them "baiters"...Either that,or you are one of this guys friends in Victorville,probably one of the "guy friends"he has,that got to look at,and laugh,at the photo of his "kill",that I am sure he took,and passed around once he got back home,with his story how he was "charged"by this bear during his romantic picnic with his girlfriend.So if you look at us here in the Sierras as "tree hugging morons",and take offense to these people that come up here and do stupid things,like killing animals,and thinking you can get away with it with some phony lies,we here got some advise for you and your kind....stay in the city,where you belong...take your girlfriends to the city park for a picnic there in Victorville..we don't want you here....
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written by LocalBeforeSellout , September 27, 2009
written by LocalBeforeSellout , September 27, 2009
You people, and I use that term lightly, ought to be ashamed of yourselves. GROW UP! It was an animal. Yeah an animal. I'll bet all of you writing this nonsense are strictly vegetarian, right? Oh yeah and you don't wear leather shoes or take medication, or use make-up, or shampoo either, right? You are all a bunch of hypocrites.
The guy that shot that bear was actually a human being (Yes our lives are more valuable then an animals life). Yeah your probably right. He probably was a police officer. A police officer who lives in Southern California...Which means he actually puts his life (a human life) on the line daily to help those who can't help themselves. He gets spit on, cussed at, shot at, alienated, ridiculed, second guessed, and hated by the likes of you. In return he get's to suffer PTSD, stress related illness, an 84% divorce rate, and oh yeah he gets to die on average 15 years before all you worthless venom spewers. Yeah he's the uncaring monster, not you.
"Don't feed our bears" Give me a break. 80% of you are a bunch of Mammoth Wanna be's. I actually played football for Mammoth High School. You know back when Mammoth was still mammoth before Stapp, Eastman, and McCoy sold my home to corporate America, and turned it in to the abomination it is today where the school can't even field a team.
For those of us who remember what Mammoth used to be, and remember who Mammoth used to be, Go ride a mountain bike over my childhood dogs grave, or take a walk in your Berkinstalks past the house my parents built to raise me in and Please, Please, Please, SHUT UP!
Okay Benett, so it's important to tell the whole truth? Let's see if that goes for opinions you don't agree with.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Here's your opinion. It's too bad you're so angry.
Benett Kessler
Votes: -2
The guy that shot that bear was actually a human being (Yes our lives are more valuable then an animals life). Yeah your probably right. He probably was a police officer. A police officer who lives in Southern California...Which means he actually puts his life (a human life) on the line daily to help those who can't help themselves. He gets spit on, cussed at, shot at, alienated, ridiculed, second guessed, and hated by the likes of you. In return he get's to suffer PTSD, stress related illness, an 84% divorce rate, and oh yeah he gets to die on average 15 years before all you worthless venom spewers. Yeah he's the uncaring monster, not you.
"Don't feed our bears" Give me a break. 80% of you are a bunch of Mammoth Wanna be's. I actually played football for Mammoth High School. You know back when Mammoth was still mammoth before Stapp, Eastman, and McCoy sold my home to corporate America, and turned it in to the abomination it is today where the school can't even field a team.
For those of us who remember what Mammoth used to be, and remember who Mammoth used to be, Go ride a mountain bike over my childhood dogs grave, or take a walk in your Berkinstalks past the house my parents built to raise me in and Please, Please, Please, SHUT UP!
Okay Benett, so it's important to tell the whole truth? Let's see if that goes for opinions you don't agree with.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Here's your opinion. It's too bad you're so angry.
Benett Kessler
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written by Scott_in_Mammoth , September 27, 2009
written by Scott_in_Mammoth , September 27, 2009
If this guy had enough time to go to his truck and get a gun, he had plenty of time to drive away. The whole point of living in, or visiting the areas around Mammoth, is to enjoy the wilderness and all it has to offer, not to shoot it, dig it up, burn it or abuse it. If you're having a picnic in the Lakes area, especially around dusk, you can expect the possibility of a bear. Everyone knows that the bear is far more interested in the food than anything else. If you just walk or drive away, you'll give up your dinner and that's all. If this guy didn't know that, he shouldn't be out in the wilderness or should stop by the Forest Service information kiosk and read up on basic wilderness info. This guy discharged a "high-caliber" firearm in our backyards where we and our children live and play. He should have been arrested on the spot for both crimes (shooting the bear and discharging a firearm) and then released on bail or his own recognizance (without his gun). He obviously needs to learn the rules about using a firearm only under circumstances that are safe and legal.
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written by Howie Stern , September 27, 2009
written by Howie Stern , September 27, 2009
Localbeforesellout,
Whatever! You know how many kids I taught here that hate where they live and can't wait to get the hell out of here? Many who've grown up here never appreciate it till their gone...So you played football for Mammoth, does that make you the voice of town the way it used to be? The McCoys, Stapps and Eastman's didn't twist your arm to sell your home, your parents and everyone else who wanted to make a profit on the property they owned were the ones who sold out. Who could blame them. If you owned some dinky home that you bought for $150,000 in the eighties and it was now worth $1,000,000, there's your retirement. Sad, but that's just they way things are. If you can't accept change, you're in for a life of disappointment.
And just like the typical high school student, you have a narrow minded view of the world. Making a vegetarian comment is ludicrous. I eat plenty of meat, but I detest the useless killing of a non-threatening animal just doing what bears do, eat. Even my students who hunt regularly were outraged by this killing.
As far as the possibility of the shooter being a cop, well, then he should be held to an even higher standard. So, does he do the same thing when confronted with a situation involving humans? Shoot first and ask questions later? I'm glad we have people who are police officers but I don't feel sorry for them. Hearing many of them talk, they seem to get off on the challenge of nailing the bad guys. It was their choice to take the job. If they can't handle it, then get out.
Of course Mammoth has changed over the years, some good, some not. In the end, It's not the town boundaries that defines Mammoth for many people, it's the incredible lands that border our 4 square mile town that for the most part, are heavily protected and retain the splendor and majesty that they always have had, and will continue to have for generations to come.
Votes: +3
Whatever! You know how many kids I taught here that hate where they live and can't wait to get the hell out of here? Many who've grown up here never appreciate it till their gone...So you played football for Mammoth, does that make you the voice of town the way it used to be? The McCoys, Stapps and Eastman's didn't twist your arm to sell your home, your parents and everyone else who wanted to make a profit on the property they owned were the ones who sold out. Who could blame them. If you owned some dinky home that you bought for $150,000 in the eighties and it was now worth $1,000,000, there's your retirement. Sad, but that's just they way things are. If you can't accept change, you're in for a life of disappointment.
And just like the typical high school student, you have a narrow minded view of the world. Making a vegetarian comment is ludicrous. I eat plenty of meat, but I detest the useless killing of a non-threatening animal just doing what bears do, eat. Even my students who hunt regularly were outraged by this killing.
As far as the possibility of the shooter being a cop, well, then he should be held to an even higher standard. So, does he do the same thing when confronted with a situation involving humans? Shoot first and ask questions later? I'm glad we have people who are police officers but I don't feel sorry for them. Hearing many of them talk, they seem to get off on the challenge of nailing the bad guys. It was their choice to take the job. If they can't handle it, then get out.
Of course Mammoth has changed over the years, some good, some not. In the end, It's not the town boundaries that defines Mammoth for many people, it's the incredible lands that border our 4 square mile town that for the most part, are heavily protected and retain the splendor and majesty that they always have had, and will continue to have for generations to come.
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written by getoveryourself , September 28, 2009
written by getoveryourself , September 28, 2009
Localbeforesellout,
Get over yourself everybody that grew up in every town in the US is singing the same story "san diego, isn't what it used to be, Orange County isn't what it used to be, ect ect" We all grew up somewhere.. some of us sat on our asses and never explored this amazing world we live in and bitched and moaned when others passed on threw "our" little neck of the woods, and some of us realize there is more to life then bitching and moaning about how others are ruining it for you.. There is nothing more then a local townie who doesn't appreciate the area they live in.. I'd suggest moving somewhere else for a while try your hand at being the transplant for once.
Votes: +0
Get over yourself everybody that grew up in every town in the US is singing the same story "san diego, isn't what it used to be, Orange County isn't what it used to be, ect ect" We all grew up somewhere.. some of us sat on our asses and never explored this amazing world we live in and bitched and moaned when others passed on threw "our" little neck of the woods, and some of us realize there is more to life then bitching and moaning about how others are ruining it for you.. There is nothing more then a local townie who doesn't appreciate the area they live in.. I'd suggest moving somewhere else for a while try your hand at being the transplant for once.
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written by Erin Griffith , September 30, 2009
written by Erin Griffith , September 30, 2009
Ok people, I have to say that I am a big time animal and nature lover, but I also happen to know the man that did this. Yes maybe that makes me biased because he is an uncle of mine, but maybe, just maybe you would have reacted the same way if you felt threatened by this bear. The man that did this is not a hater of animals or wildlife, he loves and respects the wild. He's a good man, father, uncle, brother, and son and was just doing what he thought was right at the time. Maybe fear played a role in this, have you ever thought of that? Now we can all point fingers and say what he "should have done" but I am sure he's already thinking that. Don't judge someone based on a picture of a dead bear, unless you were there and saw what he saw then you shouldn't judge. I'm sure every one of you have done something in your life that you truly regret and wish you would have done differently. Let's all just look in the mirror.
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written by Friar Tuck , October 01, 2009
written by Friar Tuck , October 01, 2009
Erin;
First let me say you are a brave and loyal niece, all qualities I respect in people. Thank your for civility in an ugly situation.
You are correct when you state that I have done many things I am not proud of in my life time, it is part of this human experience we call life. It also builds character when you face the consequences of your actions and take what you have coming as a man in my case. I have lost jobs for admitting guilt when a lie would have served me better materialistic wise, even though it would make me a weasel in my own eyes.
Our prisons are full of people that are not career criminals that made an error in judgment and are taking responsibility for their actions, some of them for the first time in their lives. Its the act of contrition that separates a man from a boy.
I hope your uncle mans up and earns the respect you obviously have for him.
Peace
Votes: -1
First let me say you are a brave and loyal niece, all qualities I respect in people. Thank your for civility in an ugly situation.
You are correct when you state that I have done many things I am not proud of in my life time, it is part of this human experience we call life. It also builds character when you face the consequences of your actions and take what you have coming as a man in my case. I have lost jobs for admitting guilt when a lie would have served me better materialistic wise, even though it would make me a weasel in my own eyes.
Our prisons are full of people that are not career criminals that made an error in judgment and are taking responsibility for their actions, some of them for the first time in their lives. Its the act of contrition that separates a man from a boy.
I hope your uncle mans up and earns the respect you obviously have for him.
Peace
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written by Gazoo , October 01, 2009
written by Gazoo , October 01, 2009
Of course fear was the motive. As such, if they charge him he should go to trial where he will be acquitted.
Bear Incidents
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Bear Incidents
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written by bltnmammoth , October 01, 2009
written by bltnmammoth , October 01, 2009
Erin,
Did you not read the story? HOW was he threatened? His lunch was threatened. If he was able to WALK back to his vehicle to retrieve his gun, he was NOT threatened. The photo looks as if he were standing slightly behind the bear when he shot her. Someone that loves and respects the wild doesn't kill animals like that. If he is such a good man, why does he carry a gun on vacation? And yes, I'm sure we all have a regrettable action but I'll bet none of us killed an animal like that. Your wonderful relative basically baited the bear by leaving the food out in the open, then shot it. Out of fear?? Why do all the witnesses tell it differently?
Votes: +2
Did you not read the story? HOW was he threatened? His lunch was threatened. If he was able to WALK back to his vehicle to retrieve his gun, he was NOT threatened. The photo looks as if he were standing slightly behind the bear when he shot her. Someone that loves and respects the wild doesn't kill animals like that. If he is such a good man, why does he carry a gun on vacation? And yes, I'm sure we all have a regrettable action but I'll bet none of us killed an animal like that. Your wonderful relative basically baited the bear by leaving the food out in the open, then shot it. Out of fear?? Why do all the witnesses tell it differently?
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written by hardtobelieve , October 01, 2009
written by hardtobelieve , October 01, 2009
I see bears around Lake Mary all the time. I've had them get into my truck when I mistakenly left the doors unlocked, and all I left inside was chapstick. I've had them try to take my fish on the shoreline. I've had them in my campsites. I've had them try to break into my cabin, break screens, etc. And I've got 3 small children.
I dare bears have had a bigger impact on me than the gunslinger. And I never SHOT any of the bears.
Votes: +2
I dare bears have had a bigger impact on me than the gunslinger. And I never SHOT any of the bears.
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written by David Shadle , October 01, 2009
written by David Shadle , October 01, 2009
To Erin Griffith-- I understand that your bias is to defend your uncle; yet you give no explanation for: #1 why was he carrying a gun to begin with? #2 if it was "self defense" as both you and your uncle claim, why was he able to walk to his car, get the gun, come back, and from 60 feet away kill the animal? I'm sorry for saying this, but there is no justification for what your uncle did and considering that he had a "female companion" with him, maybe he was trying to impress her with his "manly hunting abilities." I just can't see the reason for this, the one thing that your uncle did that was commendable is that he called law enforcement and didn't flee the scene; however, I really don't see any reason for it; especially since he walked away and came back- in legal terms that's NOT self defense, but premeditation.
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written by Gazoo , October 01, 2009
written by Gazoo , October 01, 2009
Many are commenting as if we have the whole story. Foremost among the POSSIBLE misconceptions, is that the shooter was close to the bear then moved away from the bear to get a gun then moved back closer to the bear. Nobody has reported that.
One scenario I imagine, is that the couple had no knowledge of hazing away a bear. Then a stranger showed them the technique. That has been reported. The bear went away. Later, maybe they saw the bear again but he was very very far away probably eating trash at the nearby campground. Maybe that sighting at a safe distance initiated a conversation between the shooter and his wife, "If the bear comes back we will try to haze him away just like the stranger showed us." "Okay but that might not work, so get your gun out of the truck now while the bear is still very very far away from us."
By the way, there are free shooting ranges just outside of town. Gun nuts would always take a gun if they were to vacation in Mammoth because of this.
Votes: -3
One scenario I imagine, is that the couple had no knowledge of hazing away a bear. Then a stranger showed them the technique. That has been reported. The bear went away. Later, maybe they saw the bear again but he was very very far away probably eating trash at the nearby campground. Maybe that sighting at a safe distance initiated a conversation between the shooter and his wife, "If the bear comes back we will try to haze him away just like the stranger showed us." "Okay but that might not work, so get your gun out of the truck now while the bear is still very very far away from us."
By the way, there are free shooting ranges just outside of town. Gun nuts would always take a gun if they were to vacation in Mammoth because of this.
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written by Howie Stern , October 01, 2009
written by Howie Stern , October 01, 2009
Gazoo,
Nobody vacations in Mammoth to use the crappy shooting range behind the geothermal plant...Let's get real, that's a poor argument.
It's an un-justfied shooting, plain and simple. Stop trying to justify some ignorant person's mistake...If they were so worried about the bear after what you hypothesize is multiple encounters, they could have called the ranger and had them haze it. I've seen way too many bears up here and have first hand knowledge of how they generally act. They don't threaten people up here...
And by the way, in the report, DFG SAID the shooter went back to his car to get the gun when the bear came back. Again, he could have just as easily got in the car with his girlfriend and drove away, as any rational person might do. Now one might question his rational thinking skills, considering he was on vacation sporting a very large caliber handgun in his glove box, but that's beyond the scope of this discussion.
Here's what it boils down to: If someone is not comfortable with bears being in their vicinity, as they are in the lakes basin, they should go somewhere else, another lake or whatever. You can't kill the nearby wildlife in an effort to bring down the forest to your own personal comfort level. End of story!
Votes: +3
Nobody vacations in Mammoth to use the crappy shooting range behind the geothermal plant...Let's get real, that's a poor argument.
It's an un-justfied shooting, plain and simple. Stop trying to justify some ignorant person's mistake...If they were so worried about the bear after what you hypothesize is multiple encounters, they could have called the ranger and had them haze it. I've seen way too many bears up here and have first hand knowledge of how they generally act. They don't threaten people up here...
And by the way, in the report, DFG SAID the shooter went back to his car to get the gun when the bear came back. Again, he could have just as easily got in the car with his girlfriend and drove away, as any rational person might do. Now one might question his rational thinking skills, considering he was on vacation sporting a very large caliber handgun in his glove box, but that's beyond the scope of this discussion.
Here's what it boils down to: If someone is not comfortable with bears being in their vicinity, as they are in the lakes basin, they should go somewhere else, another lake or whatever. You can't kill the nearby wildlife in an effort to bring down the forest to your own personal comfort level. End of story!
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written by Erin , October 01, 2009
written by Erin , October 01, 2009
Yes, I did read the story the same as you all did. I believe he brought the gun along to have some sort of protection, that is how my family is, and he's not the kind of man that is going to bring it to hunt bears. I was not there and have not spoken to my uncle about the incident, but I am the type of person (with everyone) that gives people the benefit of the doubt, and I'd like to know what actually happened before I go making judgments, or accusations. Please follow suit.
Votes: -1
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written by Erin , October 01, 2009
written by Erin , October 01, 2009
To Friar Tuck, Thank you, and yes I agree if we make a mistake we should pay the consequences, but lets all just see how it plays out. I just got upset seeing too many people making angry, hateful remarks about a man they don't know. If this were your uncle, would you all make the same comments?
Votes: -3
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written by Erin , October 01, 2009
written by Erin , October 01, 2009
To hard to believe: Maybe you are used to those situations and know how to deal with them better, maybe he did make a mistake, but if that is the case then it'll all work out accordingly.
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written by Edin Gonzalez , October 01, 2009
written by Edin Gonzalez , October 01, 2009
Whatever this guy has to facing to the justice for animal killer,We has to protect the Bears.
Votes: +3
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written by Gary Clement , October 01, 2009
written by Gary Clement , October 01, 2009
Erin-you have way more class than any of the self-righteous stone throwers above.
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written by Dave , October 02, 2009
written by Dave , October 02, 2009
Howie Stern says ... "It's an unjustfied shooting, plain and simple. Stop trying to justify some ignorant person's mistake..."
Well, I'm glad we got that out of the way. Bring the guilty man in now and let the trial begin ....
After all, there were newspaper articles here that without a doubt presented all of the "facts" of the case. Forget about wasting all of this time discussing charges. Just notify the man what his sentence is and send him off to jail.
Erin, thank you for your comments.
Votes: +1
Well, I'm glad we got that out of the way. Bring the guilty man in now and let the trial begin ....
After all, there were newspaper articles here that without a doubt presented all of the "facts" of the case. Forget about wasting all of this time discussing charges. Just notify the man what his sentence is and send him off to jail.
Erin, thank you for your comments.
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written by Dave , October 02, 2009
written by Dave , October 02, 2009
written by David Shadle, October 01, 2009
#1: They are things much better to have and not need than the other way around.
#2 Are you certain those are facts of this incident and what actually happened? Were you an eyewitness, or like everyone else getting your irrefutable facts from the newspaper article?
Votes: +2
To Erin Griffith-- I understand that your bias is to defend your uncle; yet you give no explanation for: #1 why was he carrying a gun to begin with? #2 if it was "self defense" as both you and your uncle claim, why was he able to walk to his car, get the gun, come back, and from 60 feet away kill the animal?
#1: They are things much better to have and not need than the other way around.
#2 Are you certain those are facts of this incident and what actually happened? Were you an eyewitness, or like everyone else getting your irrefutable facts from the newspaper article?
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written by Douglas Evans , October 02, 2009
written by Douglas Evans , October 02, 2009
Erin, the man you "know" made a terrible mistake, an almost incomprehensible error in judgment that is difficult for most mountain folk to even fathom. The facts are, he shot a relatively small bear, at a range of 60 feet, with a weapon that can be described as a hand-held canon. All of this occurred at a popular recreation area, with tourists and locals milling about, enjoying their afternoon in nature. I would call him a dangerous menace, and at the very least take away his 44 and his privilege to visit this fine area. At the very least...
Votes: +3
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EDITOR'S NOTE:
Mr. Gazoo, whoever you may be, we spoke directly to Kyle Orr of the Department of Fish and Game. He told us that the suspect walked back to his car. We attributed the quote to him. You can check it out in our second story.
Benett Kessler