Hunter Shoots Woman, Says ‘I Mistook Her For Deer’

A 34-year-old United States hunter who shot a woman thinking she was a deer has been arraigned in court for manslaughter.

Thomas Jadlowski, a New York resident, was charged with second-degree manslaughter on Thursday.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office told newsmen that Jadlowski shot at 43-year-old Rosemary Billquist on November 22 while she walking her dogs in Sherman municipality.

The hunter, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, has been granted bail of $50,000 in cash or $100,000 property.

Jadlowski also faces a maximum jail sentence of 15 years.

Commissioner Basil Seggos of the Sheriff’s Office said of the charge, “Today, Mr. Jadlowski is being held accountable for his dangerous and reckless conduct when he shot his neighbour in the dark.

“I commend the work of our ECOs, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick Swanson in helping to bring this case to fruition, and I hope it serves as an example for all that illegal hunting after sunset and reckless conduct with firearms will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”