Wildlife Officer shoots Turkey hunter on his property!

[HillbillynOhio]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30179740/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30179740/)


WILKES COUNTY, N.C. - State wildlife officials said a veteran officer who shot and killed a hunter in Wilkes County early Saturday morning near Cain Creek road on private property had been provoked and was acting in self-defense.

Wildlife Officer Mark Minton was patrolling the area for the first day of turkey hunting season when a confrontation occurred with a hunter, identified as 76-year-old Clyde Coffey.

Capt. Rusty Hunter with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission said the officer acted in self-defense when he shot and killed Coffey.

"There is no evidence to suggest the officer confused the hunter with an animal," Hunter said. "It appears, from all information gathered, the officer was protecting himself. And I don't know any further details than that."

Mark Minton is a 12-year veteran with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission.

Hunter said Minton was patrolling the area checking for bait traps, bag limits and hunting licenses.

Coffey's family members said Sunday they doubt Minton's claim that he was provoked. "He was taken from us and he was shot on his own land minding his own business. Who shoots a 76-year-old on his own land?" Coffey's daughter told WXII12 news.

"He was a family man who loved his family," she added. "They were the center of his world. This was totally senseless. He was the best father, and grandfather and great-grandfather."

Wildlife officials said this is no doubt a difficult time for its officer's and the victim's family.

"I just can't imagine being put in that situation as a law enforcement officer," Hunter said. "Every emotion you can think of as a supervisor of another wildlife officer, knowing that someone has been shot, whether it's an officer or a sportsman -- every emotion you can imagine you go through."

Minton is on administrative leave pending a State Bureau of Investigation inspection.

This is the first wildlife officer-involved shooting in almost 25 years.

This is why I have problem with no warrents no probable cause for these guys, Now it's just his word on the man he shot property......Mayby this will now get another look at for this? This is BS!

[bowhunter1023]

More testimony to that sad state of affairs this country is in...

[coonskinner]

first off you know least of anybody what was going on there...was the officer there on a tip that the guy was poaching...lets here the whole story...i agree we may never know what happened during the shooting but we may find out the character of the man shot and why the officer was there...i dont think too many people would want to shoot an old man just to shoot him,especially an officer of the law...so many here think its so easy to do...lets hear the whole story ...:D

[JD Boyd]

Hard to believe somebodys life had to come to an end over a turkey. You'd think the warden could figure out its going to get ugly and come back later with cops or other law enforcement after things cooled down. 76 year old man COME ON

[coonskinner]

Hard to believe somebodys life had to come to an end over a turkey. You'd think the warden could figure out its going to get ugly and come back later with cops or other law enforcement after things cooled down. 76 year old man COME ONagain you don't know any of the circumstances...i suppose if the officer dies its ok...you guys tear me up...now i hear how concealed carry guys would blow a guy away in a heartbeat...we dont know the circumstance here...theres going to be investigations,possibly juries...let the officer tell his side...like i said...put yourself in his place,theres good reason to suspect the guys poaching...the officer goes out to investigate...the guy pulls a gun...what would you do...lets hear the rest of the story...i agree its a shame the guys dead...but it could have been a dead officer if he hadnt fired first...:Dyou guys are hanging the guy and you know nothing about what led up to this...:D

[JD Boyd]

again you don't know any of the circumstances...i suppose if the officer dies its ok...you guys tear me up...now i hear how concealed carry guys would blow a guy away in a heartbeat...we dont know the circumstance here...theres going to be investigations,possibly juries...let the officer tell his side...like i said...put yourself in his place,theres good reason to suspect the guys poaching...the officer goes out to investigate...the guy pulls a gun...what would you do...lets hear the rest of the story...i agree its a shame the guys dead...but it could have been a dead officer if he hadnt fired first...:Dyou guys are hanging the guy and you know nothing about what led up to this...:D
Well I'd think the old man would have given him a warning and told him to get the heck outta here before pulling his gun up. If the old man did'nt and just pulled his gun up then the warden should have shot him. I'll shut up now and let you do all the talking

[ohiosam]

Sad :(

[cjd3]

Either way it went down, we will never directly know both sides. Its logical to pick a side, either one being sad. :nono:

[antiqucycle]

it says the officer was patrolling for bait traps? I guess thats the same thing as corn piles of deer. so be carefulll with your food plots and qdm stuff. you might get shot.

[jackalope]

I don't believe one word of it...

A man that has lived his life for 76 years as a father, grandfather and what his family describes as good person on his own property would draw down on a Game warden with intent to kill over a wildlife violation. Especially when NO violation has been provided worth gramps killing over.... I guess dead men don't tell tales huh Officer Milton..

[Schu72]

He probably got busted tending his cash crop.:whistle:

[HillbillynOhio]

The point is if the Game Warden wasn't just wandering around on the property for "no particular reason" it wouldn't haver happened.

Like I said before, you are saying landowners are gulity until provin innocent when allowing these guys to do this, and then when something like this happens it 's the Game Warden words against a dead mans word. If the Game Warden was shot the LAND OWNER IS GOIN TO PRISON and you can count on that. This is BS! The Rights of the Land Owners are being erroded.

If there suspician of drugs, they have helicopters with infered and other technologies from the skies they find it on their lands and they had probable cause for other things for game and warrents for poaching and such. They need to get in line with the rest of law inforcement and stop taking the rights away from landowners and putting them in these type of positions and possibly killing them or vise versa!

[Lance]

Definitely a sad situation.

You guys kill me though. You guys are making so many ASSumptions here without knowing any facts. I've seen plenty of families talk about how great a father, uncle, grandfather etc..... was. After being convicted of any variety of crimes.

The point is that the stories are only as good as the source and the family members doing to the talking could just as easily be a family that grew up within poaching or very little to no ethics as they are upstanding citizens. You just don't know. Spout off all you want to about the DNR infringing on your rights but calling it out on the DNR officers fault then you're no better than the one sided media accounts about anything gun related or anti hunting.

[jackalope]

Definitely a sad situation.

You guys kill me though. You guys are making so many ASSumptions here without knowing any facts. I've seen plenty of families talk about how great a father, uncle, grandfather etc..... was. After being convicted of any variety of crimes.

The point is that the stories are only as good as the source and the family members doing to the talking could just as easily be a family that grew up within poaching or very little to no ethics as they are upstanding citizens. You just don't know. Spout off all you want to about the DNR infringing on your rights but calling it out on the DNR officers fault then you're no better than the one sided media accounts about anything gun related or anti hunting.

I didn't see the article mention any violation.. He must have had his license and been 100% legal.... You bet your butt the cops would have used it if there was anything they could use to "semi justify the killing..

To date I haven't seen one law this guy broke being mentioned....

That's not an ASSumption thats a FACT..

And until such a time that I DO see this proof it is of my opinion this LEGAL hunter was murdered by a trespassing game warden.

[Thunderflight]

You guys kill me though. You guys are making so many ASSumptions here without knowing any facts. I've seen plenty of families talk about how great a father, uncle, grandfather etc..... was. After being convicted of any variety of crimes. .

Yelp I agree. I'm sure Tupac's family thought he was a saint. Shoot old Saddam would have said the same about his sons too.

We don't know the whole story.

Damn.... I actually agreed with coonie.....ouch....:bouncy:

[HillbillynOhio]

Definitely a sad situation.

You guys kill me though. You guys are making so many ASSumptions here without knowing any facts. I've seen plenty of families talk about how great a father, uncle, grandfather etc..... was. After being convicted of any variety of crimes.

The point is that the stories are only as good as the source and the family members doing to the talking could just as easily be a family that grew up within poaching or very little to no ethics as they are upstanding citizens. You just don't know. Spout off all you want to about the DNR infringing on your rights but calling it out on the DNR officers fault then you're no better than the one sided media accounts about anything gun related or anti hunting.

I do believe if there was a charge they would have stated it but they didn't, they just said the Game Warden was lookin for Baits, License and Poachers....And Second, the point is, this would not have happened if he wasn't there to begin with. If he was there busting him for something that he observed him doing illegal then I wouldn't have a problem but according to the article he didn't and wasn't.....This is where I get the land owners are guilty until provin innocent.

It's like the city cops checking your house out anytime they want just because they feel like it to make sure you are not guilty of anything, would ya'll like that? It is the same thing....

[ohiosam]

A few thing I learned from other sites that are being reported as "facts".

The GW was following up on reports of baiting, but there was no evidence of baiting at the scene.


Mr. Coffey was hunting from a tree stand (I thought that was odd)Coffey came down from his stand and was on the ground when shot.


3 relatives were in the woods with him but I'm not sure they were close enough to witness the events.


The GW was reportedly dressed in camo with no insignia identifying him as a GW. (I find that hard to believe)


Coffey was very hard of hearing.


The last 2 points, if true, are being used to explain that Coffey thought the GW was a trespassing hunter and didn't understand the GW when he gave orders. I wonder if Coffey thought he was playing hardball with a common trespasser and not a LEO?
:(

[coonskinner]

Well I'd think the old man would have given him a warning and told him to get the heck outta here before pulling his gun up. If the old man did'nt and just pulled his gun up then the warden should have shot him. I'll shut up now and let you do all the talkingagain you are just thinking...you don't know what happened...:mischeif:

[coonskinner]

I didn't see the article mention any violation.. He must have had his license and been 100% legal.... You bet your butt the cops would have used it if there was anything they could use to "semi justify the killing..

To date I haven't seen one law this guy broke being mentioned....

That's not an ASSumption thats a FACT..

And until such a time that I DO see this proof it is of my opinion this LEGAL hunter was murdered by a trespassing game warden.
trespassing gw...you making the laws now...i don't know the law in nc but if it says they have a right to go on land just because of suspicion...then the gw was merely doing his job...if the guy pulled a gun or pointed his gun at the warden,that decision was his and it wasn't a very smart one...:D

[Gordo]

It's like the city cops checking your house out anytime they want just because they feel like it to make sure you are not guilty of anything, would ya'll like that? It is the same thing....

I agree 100 percent that there is no difference in the two situations. Its clearly a violation of the land owners rights. If a game warden is going to enter private property he better have probable cause or a warrant to search the premise. The idea of these guys entering private property gorilla style to make sure people are not guilty of anything is ridiculous and asking for negative outcomes.

Truely a disaster and a huge lawsuit just waiting to happen.

[jackalope]

trespassing gw...you making the laws now...i don't know the law in nc but if it says they have a right to go on land just because of suspicion...then the gw was merely doing his job...if the guy pulled a gun or pointed his gun at the warden,that decision was his and it wasn't a very smart one...:D


So far the only crime I see committed was murder of an innocent person......

[pstryjew]

I agree 100 percent that there is no difference in the two situations. Its clearly a violation of the land owners rights. If a game warden is going to enter private property he better have probable cause or a warrant to search the premise. The idea of these guys entering private property gorilla style to make sure people are not guilty of anything is ridiculous and asking for negative outcomes.

Truely a disaster and a huge lawsuit just waiting to happen.

Unfortunately, The Ohio Supreme Court unanimously disagrees with you (if this were in Ohio):

http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/PIO/summaries/2009/0305/080536.asp

Pete

[jackalope]

Unfortunately, The Ohio Supreme Court unanimously disagrees with you (if this were in Ohio):

http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/PIO/summaries/2009/0305/080536.asp

Pete

Does that make it right in your eyes???

On the same side of the coin... The Citizens of California voted to ban same sex marriage.... The California Supreme court overturned the voters decision. Does that make same sex marriage right....... Following your logic it's the final word just because the supreme court mandated it and should never be questioned.....

Just because some crooked penguins in powdered wigs voted on it you accept it as a fact of life....

[ohiosam]

Unfortunately, The Ohio Supreme Court unanimously disagrees with you (if this were in Ohio):

http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/PIO/summaries/2009/0305/080536.asp

Pete

Yep they sure did, but just because they say it's legal don't make it right. Don't forget the SCOTUS at one time said it was OK to own slaves,to have segregation and to deny women the right to vote.

[pstryjew]

Does that make it right in your eyes???
...
Just because some crooked penguins in powdered wigs voted on it you accept it as a fact of life....

Yep they sure did, but just because they say it's legal don't make it right. Don't forget the SCOTUS at one time said it was OK to own slaves,to have segregation and to deny women the right to vote.

Whoa...You are reading quite a bit into my one sentence.

Did I say I agreed with it? Did I say it was right? Did you see the word "Unfortunately"?

I was pointing out that the Ohio law said they had the right to enter private property and that it had been affirmed.

Actually, the OSC said that the Ohio Revised Code allows it. The way to correct the problem is change R.C. 1531.14. Sportsmen, gun owners, and others changed the laws to allow Concealed Carry in Ohio, they could do the same here.

Who's leading the charge?

Pete

[jackalope]

Did I say I agreed with it? Did I say it was right? Did you see the "Unfortunately"? I was pointing out that the Ohio law said they had the right to enter private property.

Actually, the OSC said that the Ohio Revised Code allows it. The way to correct the problem is change R.C. 1531.14. Sportsmen, gun owners, and others changed the laws to allow Concealed Carry in Ohio, they could do the same here.

Who's leading the charge?

Pete


You will not get it changed as it pertains to the duties of a law enforcement officer and is therefore deemed "public safety"... Hell in this great free state of ours you can even put it to a vote on the ballot. Because it deals with hindrance of an officer to "protect" the public.

Trust me I talked with my lawyer about getting a petition to have the red-light cameras put on the ballot to get rid of them..... It is impossible as they are "public safety" devices.

[ohiosam]

Who's leading the charge?

Pete

I nominate Pete! :mischeif::D

If what I read is true that the GW was following up on a tip about illegal activity I don't have a problem with him investigating on private property.

My issue has always been random inspections of people on private property where the GW doesn't have cause to believe a crime has been(is being) committed. I've been accused by some here of wanting to let poachers have free rein. That is absolutely not true.:irked: What I've always advocated is that we need more GWs in the field doing more thorough investigations to get the real poachers not just trolling for minor violations.

We as hunters have to follow rules in pursuing animals. GWs also have rules to follow in pursuing violators.

[coonskinner]

So far the only crime I see committed was murder of an innocent person......
jack you are not the law...as for me i have not heard enough to convict this man...thats up to our system...not us...as i said i need to hear more before making up my mind...and i'm sure there will be a ton of rumors started on this...this guy is not guilty til its proven...i need to know more before i call someone that possibly is innocent a murderer...like i said if the guy pointed a weapon at him that was his decision...but i dont know what happened...:D

[deerhunt45]

This is very sad...my thought and prayers to the family who lost a loved one. :(

We need to cool the speculation until we here more of the investigation. Hope they don't try to keep it secret. :nono:

[bud45601]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30179740/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30179740/)


WILKES COUNTY, N.C. - State wildlife officials said a veteran officer who shot and killed a hunter in Wilkes County early Saturday morning near Cain Creek road on private property had been provoked and was acting in self-defense.

Wildlife Officer Mark Minton was patrolling the area for the first day of turkey hunting season when a confrontation occurred with a hunter, identified as 76-year-old Clyde Coffey.

Capt. Rusty Hunter with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission said the officer acted in self-defense when he shot and killed Coffey.

"There is no evidence to suggest the officer confused the hunter with an animal," Hunter said. "It appears, from all information gathered, the officer was protecting himself. And I don't know any further details than that."

Mark Minton is a 12-year veteran with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission.

Hunter said Minton was patrolling the area checking for bait traps, bag limits and hunting licenses.

Coffey's family members said Sunday they doubt Minton's claim that he was provoked. "He was taken from us and he was shot on his own land minding his own business. Who shoots a 76-year-old on his own land?" Coffey's daughter told WXII12 news.

"He was a family man who loved his family," she added. "They were the center of his world. This was totally senseless. He was the best father, and grandfather and great-grandfather."

Wildlife officials said this is no doubt a difficult time for its officer's and the victim's family.

"I just can't imagine being put in that situation as a law enforcement officer," Hunter said. "Every emotion you can think of as a supervisor of another wildlife officer, knowing that someone has been shot, whether it's an officer or a sportsman -- every emotion you can imagine you go through."

Minton is on administrative leave pending a State Bureau of Investigation inspection.

This is the first wildlife officer-involved shooting in almost 25 years.

This is why I have problem with no warrents no probable cause for these guys, Now it's just his word on the man he shot property......Mayby this will now get another look at for this? This is BS!

i agree with your reply 100%

[HillbillynOhio]

Unfortunately, The Ohio Supreme Court unanimously disagrees with you (if this were in Ohio):

http://www.sconet.state.oh.us/PIO/summaries/2009/0305/080536.asp

Pete


Well, I would love to see what the US Supreme Court says about it?

[Deehntr56]

Just because some crooked penguins in powdered wigs voted on it you accept it as a fact of life....

I nominate this quote by jlope...as the quote of the year!!!

[Schu72]

I didn't realize this was such an anti-government, anti-law enforcement, and anti-common sense website.


This thread needs and enema.....

[Lance]

I didn't realize this was such an anti-government, anti-law enforcement, and anti-common sense website.


It's not but it's like just about anyother hunting website I've ever been on. There are always a few that are super conservative and view just about anything that the gov. does that crosses a "potential" personal freedom a travesty. I'll leave it at that as I don't want to get drug into this. I stated my thoughts on the responses to the article and that's wher I'm leaving it.

[pstryjew]

You will not get it changed as it pertains to the duties of a law enforcement officer and is therefore deemed "public safety"... Hell in this great free state of ours you can even put it to a vote on the ballot. Because it deals with hindrance of an officer to "protect" the public.

Trust me I talked with my lawyer about getting a petition to have the red-light cameras put on the ballot to get rid of them..... It is impossible as they are "public safety" devices.


Getting off topic here. But almost every Law Enforcement agency in Ohio, including the State Police force was against CCW. Did it take years of effort to get it passed? Absolutely, but the battle was won.

Less than a month ago Mississippi became the 9th state to outlaw Red-Light cameras. So it is possible (at least elsewhere) to remove the public safety devices.

Pete

[Wildman18]

I am sorry but I feel that the The gov. Is slowly taking our rights away. I believe that a law enforcement officer should have a warrant or probable cause. Blatant in sight proof. helicopter, witness what ever. I have 5 acres so it does not effect me. It's just how I feel.

I do not know the facts so I am not going to judge. I am assuming that if it was to be done over, it would of been done differently. If the law enforcement officer was unable to go on the property with out a warrant. Then it would not have happened.

[pstryjew]

Well, I would love to see what the US Supreme Court says about it?

You might be surprised. We only had the Second Amendment affirmed by a one vote margin and to me it's meaning is clear.

I wouldn't expect the Fourth Amendment to fair much better. In fact Terry vs. Ohio (SCOTUS 1968) erodes parts of the Fourth already.

Another problem is hunting (in Ohio) is not a right, it's a privilege, to be granted and taken away by the powers we give the State. You must follow the rules laid out that cover hunting, one of those rules is Ohio Revised Code 1531.14.

I'm sure more information is going to come out about this, we cannot assume to have all the facts or even correct facts from an MSNBC news report. Anyone who has been around law enforcement know that news stories are often very far from what actually happened.

I'm not taking sides on this incident, just pointing out a few things and responding to some of the comments.

Pete

[jackalope]

Another problem is hunting (in Ohio) is not a right, it's a privilege, to be granted and taken away by the powers we give the State. You must follow the rules laid out that cover hunting, one of those rules is Ohio Revised Code 1531.14.




Why don't you go ask a native American who took that right and turned it into a legislated privileged..

Maybe the Ohio legislature should amend Genesis 1:30 for you

Genesis 1:30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food." And it was so. This then God Amended" (See OHIO Revised code 1531.14..)


Hunting IMO is not a privileged it is a right given to man as a gift as old as time....

Did Esau in Genesis have a hunting license.. Damn biblical poachers....

Did we entrust the conservation of that right to some powdered wigs.. Sure did.. But that doesn't make it any less of a God given right.....

[jeffmo]

I didn't realize this was such an anti-government, anti-law enforcement, and anti-common sense website.


This thread needs and enema.....

it just depends on whose posts you read.

and gun ownership is a right and hunting a priveledge.

[mossymaple]

The facts are, 76 year old man gets killed by gw while hunting turkey on his own property.

[Deehntr56]

let it play out...assumptions by everyone will get everyone no where....

[jackalope]

The facts are, 76 year old man gets killed by gw while hunting turkey on his own property.

You forgot.. No mention of crimes committed by 76 year old man.

[mossymaple]

You forgot.. No mention of crimes committed by 76 year old man.

"If" he was poaching, is that any reason for a man to have to die?

[Beentown]

IMHO the person that doesn't give up facts is trying to hide something. When the details are this scarce I smell cover-up. Usually when something of this magnitude happens and the "man" has something to hide there are very few details. If they don't say anything there is nothing to be held too.

We won't know anymore until a trial is started or investigation made public.

Beentown

[Bawana]

It will take a while for the investigation to be completed, So we really aren't going to hear anything til then. But since nobody has anything to do til turkey season gets here, blaze away.

[ohiosam]

I didn't realize this was such an anti-government, anti-law enforcement, and anti-common sense website.


This thread needs and enema.....

Having a certain level of skepticism of government is healthy and necessary in a democracy. Our Founding Fathers understood human nature and put restrictions on how the government THEY FORMED could act. I resent the implication that by questioning how and if rules are followed by those in government I am some how anti-government.:irked:

[ohiosam]

Got to thinking about this today and did a little looking, it's been over 60 days. Seems it is still being investigated by the SBI (I think that means State Bureau of Investigation). Makes me wonder how a case with no witnesses and only the shooter left to tell his side of the story takes this long to investigate? I thought this was supposed to be a slam dunk case that the GW fired in self defense.

[HillbillynOhio]

You might be surprised. We only had the Second Amendment affirmed by a one vote margin and to me it's meaning is clear.

I wouldn't expect the Fourth Amendment to fair much better. In fact Terry vs. Ohio (SCOTUS 1968) erodes parts of the Fourth already.

Another problem is hunting (in Ohio) is not a right, it's a privilege, to be granted and taken away by the powers we give the State. You must follow the rules laid out that cover hunting, one of those rules is Ohio Revised Code 1531.14.

I'm sure more information is going to come out about this, we cannot assume to have all the facts or even correct facts from an MSNBC news report. Anyone who has been around law enforcement know that news stories are often very far from what actually happened.

I'm not taking sides on this incident, just pointing out a few things and responding to some of the comments.

Pete


I know what you're sayin, I also had a judge tell me that people who lie the most on the witness stand or on a case is the officer of the case.

But this more just a Hunting case, this about being on the victims porperty, and this might bring up the probable cause and the warrent issue for these guys. That is the is should be for these guys.Not on a Sunday stroll on a guys land while he is huntin then he comes up on him out of no where and all of a sudden the guy is dead! That ain't right,Somethin smells there!:tsk:

[Bawana]

I likewise have been reading the local papers and some other sites. The GW was on the property based on a tip about baiting. GW had just cited nephew of victim for hunting over bait. nephew told him where victim was hunting. GW confronted victim in tree, victim came out of tree aiming shotgun at GW, GW took cover behind tree ordering victim to drop gun, victim continued towards GW, was shot at about 20 yards. GW had camo pants on. Was wearing his official uniform shirt.

[jackalope]

I likewise have been reading the local papers and some other sites. The GW was on the property based on a tip about baiting. GW had just cited nephew of victim for hunting over bait. nephew told him where victim was hunting. GW confronted victim in tree, victim came out of tree aiming shotgun at GW, GW took cover behind tree ordering victim to drop gun, victim continued towards GW, was shot at about 20 yards. GW had camo pants on. Was wearing his official uniform shirt.

Do you have a link to that? The last I saw a week or so ago it was still under investigation. I would like to read it.

[HillbillynOhio]

I likewise have been reading the local papers and some other sites. The GW was on the property based on a tip about baiting. GW had just cited nephew of victim for hunting over bait. nephew told him where victim was hunting. GW confronted victim in tree, victim came out of tree aiming shotgun at GW, GW took cover behind tree ordering victim to drop gun, victim continued towards GW, was shot at about 20 yards. GW had camo pants on. Was wearing his official uniform shirt.


If that is true, then you would have your probable cause.......

[TheCream]

There's way too much we do not know that prevents anyone from making an accurate presumption of what happened in this case. Some say the officer could have come up with a better solution, but if the suspect pulled his gun up or threatened the officer with his gun in any way, the shooting would be viewed differently. Some say wardens should not be able to patrol private ground or investigate on "probable cause" (which I know is a very purposely vague terminology), but if they couldn't, wardens could never cite people for violations on private ground! Here in Ohio they already seem to catch virtually nobody, stripping away more of their abilities would just make things worse, in my humble opinion. And my personal take on family claims about a loved one that died are thrown out the window in a case like this. There are women in this country who claim to love the husband that beats them weekly, why is it assumed that the family member(s) of a slain suspect claim his/her innocence are telling the truth? When was the last time you read about a slain suspect that was reported by family members to be a trouble-making thug or bad person? It doesn't happen too often that way.

Until we know more details, most of which we'll probably never know, it's impossible to decide if the warden made the right call in using his weapon in this case. :nono:

[ohiosam]

Officer Minton is officially still on paid leave.

A Judge ordered the tapes of Officer Minton's radio transmissions sealed.

No witnesses were there to see anything. Everything you've read about what took place has either come from Officer Minton or was made-up by people who were not there.

The part about the nephew being fined is new to me, where did you read that?

[Bawana]

I'll try to dig it up, it was from the local paper down there. There were four people in all that were hunting there. I can't remember what relationship they were to each other. Most of my info came from the paper, plus there was an on line video from a local news station about the events.

[Pathfinder85]

Any updates on this? I would really like to know what happened in "the rest of the story".

[ohiosam]

Any updates on this? I would really like to know what happened in "the rest of the story".

Nothing from any reliable source.

The State Bureau of Investigation is doing the investigation. Supposedly when they are finished their report will go to the county prosecutor and he will make a decision if it was justifiable or if there will be a trial.

It does seem like a long time to investigate when there is only one person talking and no witnesses. Makes me wonder if the GWs story doesn't quite add up but maybe there isn't conclusive evidence that he committed a crime either.:confused:

[Pathfinder85]

oh everything is in that funny government gray area?

[lacure]

This really is tragic, but I would like to throw out another perspective...one that probably won't be viewed in good light by many here: if I owned land (beyond the 3/4 acre on which my house resides), I would have absolutely no problem with GWs entering the property whenever they want. My thought is if that you are not doing anything wrong, why would you care? Forget about "it's my property, no one can come onto it." Let them try to do their jobs as well as they can. I know there are some "shady" GWs, but I think that is the minority. Anytime a GW has approached me (on public or private land, at my car, etc.), I have been nothing but cordial to them and they likewise. I had nothing to "hide" and no concern and thanked them for being around.

I don't know the details of this case, but I do think we owe the GWs a little slack. Their job is hard enough. I just don't understand people who believe that since they own property, no one should be able to come on it (authorities)...unless you have something to hide. Just my opinion.

[ohiosam]

I just don't understand people who believe that since they own property, no one should be able to come on it (authorities)...unless you have something to hide. Just my opinion.

Can they search your house without a warrant too? Maybe checkout your wife or daughter's underwear drawer? Maybe they can open your mail, listen to your telephone calls too? After all you have nothing to hide.

Did James Madison and Thomas Jefferson and the rest of the founding fathers had something to hide when they added the 4th Amendment to the Bill of Rights?

Apparently Officer Minton felt that he needed an excuse to enter Mr. Coffey's property because he said he was there because he had reason to suspect illegal activity (baiting)was taking place, it wasn't just a random check. We haven't been told by a reliable source if Mr. Coffey was hunting over bait or not.

[lacure]

I understand your historical perspective, but, remember, that was a different time. Our founding fathers were concerened with the british aristocracy entering their property at will to do whatever they wanted. Do you honestly feel we are under the same threat??? If I was awakened at 4 AM by a police officer at my door, I would at least give him/her the benefit of the doubt to discuss their reason for being there without drawing a gun on them. If they had a strong reason for needing to be in my house, come on in...please help me make sure my family is safe. In that senario, do you really think someone would be going through your wife or daughter's underwear drawer??? If someone wants to open my mail or listen to my telephone calls, I could care less...what the heck do I have to hide??? They just may be a bit bored. This is exactly what I am talking about...the pipe in the basement sweats when it get's warm and now your house is going to float away. Seems like a pretty big leap. If you don't trust in your elected government/officials, sounds like there are deeper issues at question. Again, just my opinion...not trying to piss on anyone's cheerios, but I think we have to set the machismo aside and question whether or not we trust our elected folks. If you don't...why???

So, here is my personal "bottom line" on this tragic shooting...the GW entered the property on suspicion of illegal activity (of whatever sort). Somehow, someway, a man was killed. So, connect the dots...there are 2 possible situations: 1) a 12 year veteran GW decided he wanted to shoot a 78 yr. old person for no reason, or, 2) The GW feared for his life while doing an impossible job and acted accordingly. What really sounds reasonable???

[ohiosam]

So, here is my personal "bottom line" on this tragic shooting...the GW entered the property on suspicion of illegal activity (of whatever sort). Somehow, someway, a man was killed. So, connect the dots...there are 2 possible situations: 1) a 12 year veteran GW decided he wanted to shoot a 78 yr. old person for no reason, or, 2) The GW feared for his life while doing an impossible job and acted accordingly. What really sounds reasonable???

Are you saying that the only explanation is that the shooting was justified?

Let tell you a story of something that happened on my road about 25 years ago. A house at the other end of my road(about 2 1/2 miles away) was being burglarized, a cop showed up to investigate and the burglar was shot and killed by the cop. Coroner ruled it justifiable.

Now I have a good friend that was on the department at the time, he's now retired, after 30 years as a cop. Rick has told me the "rest of the story" The guy that was killed ran out of the house when the cop showed up. He was unarmed and was running away from the officer at about 75 yards when he was shot in the back. Rick says it "was a hell of a shot" but it was murder.

The scum bag was a hitchhiker off the turnpike. Can't say I feel to bad about how he end up, but it makes me nervous that a cop can get away with something like that.

Now about this same time the had been a rash of burglaries in the neighborhood that turned out to be committed by 2 cops on the department. They were never charged. Can you see a scenario where one these officers could end up with a dead homeowner?

[ohiosam]

A wildlife officer who shot and killed a hunter on the first day of turkey season in Wilkes County acted reasonably and appropriately and will not face criminal prosecution, the county District Attorney's office said Thursday.

Clyde Coffey, 76, died April 11 when Wildlife Resource Commission officer Mark Minton shot him the chest behind Coffey's cabin in the McGrady community. Minton was a 12-year veteran of the commission.

After an investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation, the Wilkes County DA office determined MInton acted reasonably and appropriately to the perceived use or imminent use of deadly physical force by Coffey. As a result, the office will not criminally prosecute Minton.

According to the DA, Minton was investigating potential hunting violations in the Cane Creek Rd. area of Wilkes County when he encountered Coffey on the first day of the turkey hunting season. According to the SBI report, Minton discovered someone was potentially baiting turkeys on Coffey's property and went there to determine if anyone was illegally hunting turkey over this baited area.

Minton initially encountered Larry Dean Helton, Coffey's son-in-law, in a tree stand at one location of Coffey's property. According to statements from Minton, he then proceeded down the mountain on foot to a second tree stand where Coffey was hunting.

Minton said he identified himself as a game warden, but had difficulty getting Coffey's attention. Eventually, Coffey stood up and demanded Minton leave his property.

The officer said Coffey continued to disobey commands, causing Minton to radio for assistance to other officers who were several miles away. Before they arrived, Coffey came down from the tree stand with his gun in his hand, despite Minton's request for him to leave the weapon in the tree stand.

According to Minton, Coffey advanced toward the officer with his weapon in a "low ready" position and pointed it directly at the officer. Minton retreated up the hill, with Coffey following.

When Minton thought Coffey was going to shoot, he drew his commission-issued weapon and fired one round, hitting the hunter in the chest. Minton then radioed for help and attempted CPR on Coffey.

In the course of the investigation, SBI agents found turkey bait on the property that was consistent with bait found at Coffey's home. Agents also determined Coffey suffered from hearing loss and was acting out of character.Copyright © 2009, WGHP-TV (http://www.myfox8.com/)

[ohiosam]

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — State wildlife officials say a veteran officer will not face charges for fatally shooting a turkey hunter.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission said state and local investigators have determined that Officer Mark Minton was reasonably responding to the threat of deadly force.
Officials have said that Minton was patrolling in Wilkes County on the first day of turkey hunting season, April 11, when the confrontation occurred and the officer shot and killed 76-year-old Clyde Coffey of Caldwell County.
Gordon Myers, the executive director of the commission, said an internal investigation is ongoing.


http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/5493985/

[deerhunt45]

Thanks for the post sam...dang what a tragedy. My condolences to the Coffey family and Officer Minton and his family, all of their lives irreverseably altered :(