MI: Woman sentenced for hunting accident
Woman sentenced for hunting accident
By Jenny Lancour
December 16, 2008
ESCANABA - A Rock woman, accused of accidentally shooting a man while
she was bird hunting this fall, lost her hunting privileges for a year
and was sentenced to six months probation in Delta County District Court
Monday.
Stella Barbara Norman, 65, 16489 Timberlane Road, was hunting grouse
when she shot Richard Koski, 40, of Rockvale, Tenn., while he was
picking apples on private property in Maple Ridge Township on Oct. 8.
Norman was arrested two weeks later. During her arraignment in Delta
County District Court on Oct. 29, she pleaded guilty to attempted
careless or reckless use of a firearm, discharge causing injury. The
misdemeanor carries a maximum punishment of one year in jail and a
$1,000 fine.
At her arraignment, Norman told Judge Glenn Pearson she was riding
her four-wheeler and hunting when she shot at a bird. She said she never
saw the three people picking apples about 45 yards away.
Richard Koski was picking apples with his son, Kyle Koski, 10, and
father, Ronald Koski Sr., 68, Gladstone, when the shot was fired at 4:23
p.m., according to Michigan State Police from the Gladstone Post, the
investigating agency.
Richard was shot in the head and body by No. 6 fine shot, troopers
said. He was transported by ambulance to Marquette General Hospital
where he was treated and later released.
Ronald had a pellet go through the back of his jacket and bounce off
his belt, according to troopers. Kyle was not hit by any of the fine
shot. Ronald's truck was struck by pellets.
In addition to probation and having her hunting license suspended
until Jan. 1, 2010, Norman was ordered to pay $495 in fines and costs to
the court, and $100 in restitution to the victim.
