Tragedy found its way into the turkey woods, once again, as reports have been released of an 80-year-old man facing murder chargers after investigators claim he accidentally shot and killed another man while turkey hunting last week in California.
The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a hunting accident that took place in the Fremont Wier Wildlife Area Sunday morning.
Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, 65-year-old Shawn Parrish of Sacramento, with a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
Emergency crews were unsuccessful in their life-saving efforts. Parrish died at the scene.
According to the report, investigations reveal that 80-year-old John Lee of Sacramento, “reportedly fired his shotgun into the brush, hoping to shoot a turkey, though unaware of what he was aiming at.”
Lee was arrested and taken to the Sutter County jail, where he faces charges for second degree murder and negligent discharge of a firearm.
The story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the need for hunters to positively identify their target before they pull the trigger.
