Police say an animal control officer was trying to shoot his own cow when he shot the man

[The Straight Story]

Man kills neighbor in 'freak accident'
Police say an animal control officer was trying to shoot his own cow when he shot the man.

A man was killed by a Floyd County animal control officer Thursday night in what the victim's wife called "a freak accident."

The shooting happened about 7:15 p.m. in a field off Conner Grove Road in Willis. Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said Garland Nester was attempting to put down one of his own cows by shooting it when he shot his neighbor Paul Belcher of nearby Meadows of Dan.

Belcher, 75, was shot once, she said. He died at the scene.

Geller said a handgun was used in the shooting. She wouldn't say if it was the gun issued to Nester by the county, citing an ongoing investigation.

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/164029

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. How do you shoot a man instead of a cow?

I mean, a cow is a lot larger creature. And why shoot it just because it got loose? You rope it, secure it, and then, if you have to, dispose of it. Only reason to ever shoot a domestic animal that is not secured is if it is showing signs of rabies.

[Turbineguy]

2. Garland Nester?

Having had my name badly butchered from time to time, I have to wonder how Dick Cheney is feeling about this.

[dysfunctional press]

3. could the guy have been killed by a ricochet...?

don't cows have fairly thick skulls? if a smaller caliber handgun were used, and the round hit at a bit of an angle, could it have ricocheted off the skull and still have enough force to kill the other guy..? :shrug:

[Initech]

4. Why am I suddenly reminded of Me, Myself & Irene?

:shrug: