KNIGHTS LANDING, Calif. — A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday morning when a 65-year-old man was fatally shot while engaging in turkey hunting in the Fremont Weir Wildlife Area in Sutter County. Authorities confirmed that the incident was reported around 9 a.m., leading to a swift response from local deputies.
Upon arrival at the scene located at the intersection of Gifford and Becker roads, deputies discovered the victim with a single gunshot wound. Despite immediate efforts, he was pronounced dead at the location. The case quickly progressed into a homicide investigation.
The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office identified 80-year-old John Lee of Sacramento as the alleged shooter. According to the officials, Lee was also hunting in the vicinity but was not in the company of the victim at the time of the shooting. The circumstances leading up to the incident remain under investigation.
Lee was taken into custody and has been booked in the Sutter County Jail. He faces charges of second-degree murder and negligent discharge of a firearm. These preliminary charges reflect the seriousness of the allegations while the investigation continues to unfold.
The incident has raised concerns among local hunting enthusiasts and safety advocates. Hunting, typically seen as a safe outdoor recreational activity, involves stringent safety protocols to prevent such incidents. This shooting brings to light the critical importance of adhering to safety measures while handling firearms.
The local community has expressed shock and sadness over the event, noting that such incidents are rare in the area. Community leaders and local safety officials are expected to review safety protocols for hunting and outdoor activities to prevent future tragedies.
The Sutter County Sheriff’s Office is leading the ongoing investigation. They have called on anyone who might have been in the area or witnessed the event to come forward to assist with the investigation. As the community awaits further details, the sheriff’s office has pledged transparency and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictabilities that can occur even in controlled recreational settings and the profound impact they can have on communities and families. Further updates on the case are expected as the investigation progresses.