Teenager Charged In Hunting Death

A teenager who said he mistook another hunter for a squirrel has been charged in the man’s shooting death.

Matthew P. Elliott, 18, was cited Wednesday for negligent shooting and hunting without a license. The charges carry up to 1-1/4 years in jail and $10,300 in fines.

Gary R. Jackson, 24, was shot in the chest and groin. He was wearing camouflage and waiting in a tree while bow hunting for deer.

“We’re just as flabbergasted as anyone else that someone can shoot someone else and mistake him for a squirrel,” said Capt. Kenny Painter of the state Division of Natural Resources.