OR - Sleeping boy killed by hunter

November 10, 2009

Teen killed while sleeping at Ore. hunting camp

TERREBONNE, Ore. — Authorities say a 14-year-old boy is dead and his cousin is in custody after a bullet came through the wall of the motor home the boy was sleeping in at a central Oregon hunting camp and struck him in the head.

Crook County Sheriff Rodd Clark says investigators believe the bullet was fired from a distance by 21-year-old Brandon Hornseth of Lonepine.

Hornseth was arrested Monday night on suspicion of first-degree manslaughter and other charges in the death of his cousin Justin Butler of Culver. Hornseth was being held at the Crook County Jail; it was unknown if he had an attorney.

Butler and his family were elk hunting at the family ranch in Terrebonne when gunshots were heard early Sunday. Those inside in the motor home turned on the lights and discovered the teen had been shot.

Sheriff's Sgt. James Savage said the investigation was ongoing but the shooting didn't appear to be intentional.

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