Hunter Shot by Cheney:Fatality CAN result in criminal charges

[cal04]

Fellow Hunter Shot by Cheney Suffers Setback

The 78-year-old lawyer shot by Vice President Dick Cheney in a hunting accident over the weekend suffered a minor heart attack early Tuesday caused by birdshot lodged in his heart, hospital officials in Texas said. The lawyer, Harry M. Whittington, was moved back into the intensive care unit at Christus Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, Tex., to be monitored for up to a week in case the birdshot shifted or additional pellets in his body moved into other organs, the officials said at a televised news conference. Dr. David Blanchard, the emergency room chief, estimated that Mr. Whittington had more than 5 but "probably less than 150 to 200" pellets lodged in his body.



(snip)
Local officials have not considered any charges in the shooting because no one in the hunting party, including the victim, has accused Mr. Cheney of wrongdoing. "Everybody that I've heard so far has said it was an accident," said Mr. Valdez, who holds an elected position and is a Democrat. "The victim probably told the sheriff's department it was an accident." Mr. Valdez added, "Now, if the worst happens and the man happens to die, we would take an additional step."

Under the law, even an accidental hunting fatality can result in criminal charges. Mr. Cheney could be charged with negligence, defined as failing to understand the dangers involved and disregarding them, or recklessness, defined as understanding the dangers and disregarding them. After some initial confusion about what steps the local police had taken to investigate the shooting on Saturday, Secret Service officials said on Tuesday that they had offered to make the vice president available for an interview as quickly as possible but that the local sheriff had agreed to wait until Sunday.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/15/politics/15cheney.html?hp&ex=1139979600&en=909c86b70545c6f1&ei=5094&partner=homepage

[fooj]

1. OMG! He's toast.

Peace.

[benburch]

2. Did he pass?

Tragic if so. :(

[WestMichRad]

3. Riiiiiiight...

Agreed to wait until Sunday? Bullshit!!!

Wonder what was the implied or direct threat to "persuade" their patience?

[madaboutharry]

4. Look closely at the bullshit.

"Secret Service officials said on Tuesday that they had offered to make the vice president available for an interview as quickly as possible but that the local sheriff had agreed to wait until Sunday." "...agreed to wait." You can't agree to something unless you have been requested to do so.

[madokie]

5. It'll be reported that he died of natural causes, a heart attack

not of the shooting doing. hey the man is 78 years old for cris sakes. that's what they will say but you me and the rest know better but who are we, experts or something. I have no idea why but I feel darth shot the man at a much closer distance than what is being reported. 28 gauge 7 1/2 bird shot, 18 to 24 inch shot pattern = 25 - 30 feet at most.

[eleny]

6. Cheney needs to resign immediately

This business of the law not pertaining to them has gone far enough. They would be demanding it of any Dem or Indy and we everyone knows it.

They have no class whatsoever. To quote Cheney's own wife - "He's a bad, bad man."

[tlsmith1963]

7. Well...

I wanted Cheney out, but if ends up being because he accidentally killed someone, well, it's not exactly how I wanted him to leave. Geez, this is a downer.

Tammy

[rateyes]

8. Reckless disregard resulting in death...

can get you an involuntary manslaughter charge.