Johnson County Man Shot and Killed, Mistaken for Deer
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: December 1, 2012
An apparent accidental shooting is under investigation in Johnson County after a homeowner shot and killed a man walking in the woods, thinking it was a deer.
It happened Wednesday just after noon along a trail beside Horsehead Creek off of County Road 3151, west of Clarksville.
The Johnson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) says Thomas Edward (Eddie) Sears, 43, of Coal Hill, died at the scene.
Witnesses say that a homeowner was sitting in a swing in his backyard when he saw movement across the creek from his house. He grabbed a 30-30 rifle and fired one shot at what he thought was a deer. After the shot was fired, he and other witnesses heard someone yell.
The man went to investigate and found Sears lying on the trail about 144 yards from his home. He ran back to the house and called 911, bringing deputies and paramedics to the scene.
The man's body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for an autopsy.
The JCSO, Arkansas State Police and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are involved in the investigation.
Deputies say Sears, who was not wearing any hunter safety clothing and had no weapon, was apparently not hunting. It's unknown why he was walking along the wooded trail.
It happened Wednesday just after noon along a trail beside Horsehead Creek off of County Road 3151, west of Clarksville.
The Johnson County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) says Thomas Edward (Eddie) Sears, 43, of Coal Hill, died at the scene.
Witnesses say that a homeowner was sitting in a swing in his backyard when he saw movement across the creek from his house. He grabbed a 30-30 rifle and fired one shot at what he thought was a deer. After the shot was fired, he and other witnesses heard someone yell.
The man went to investigate and found Sears lying on the trail about 144 yards from his home. He ran back to the house and called 911, bringing deputies and paramedics to the scene.
The man's body has been sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for an autopsy.
The JCSO, Arkansas State Police and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are involved in the investigation.
Deputies say Sears, who was not wearing any hunter safety clothing and had no weapon, was apparently not hunting. It's unknown why he was walking along the wooded trail.
Comments
my sons and husband hunt so i fully support it. However, the number one thing u should be taught when u get a gun is never shoot at anything you cannot see. There is no excuse for this killing. "I am sorry," will not get it.....
debbie e.
November 30, 2012 at 11:06 am
It's called reasonable doubt.
Roy G.
November 30, 2012 at 10:45 am
Got a grudge against somebody, wait til deer season. Then you get to claim it was accidental.
Roy G.
November 30, 2012 at 10:43 am
