87-Year-Old Gets Probation In Shooting

Sat., Aug. 1, 1998

From Staff

A judge sentenced an 87-year-old man to five years in prison Friday for shooting a neighbor and then suspended the term.

Roy “Ronald” Fleming must successfully complete five years of probation to avoid serving the prison sentence. Not owning any guns or other weapons were among the requirements imposed by 1st District Judge Charles Hosack.

Fleming pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in the Sept. 19, 1997, shooting of Roger Dunham inside an airplane hangar at Hackney Air Field. Fleming, whose health has deteriorated since the incident, entered an Alford plea and maintains he fired in self defense.

By accepting the Alford plea, Fleming conceded the state may have enough evidence to convict him. His attorney and a friend accused Dunham of being the aggressor.

Dunham said the attack was unprovoked and Fleming shot him when he was not looking. He has filed a civil lawsuit against Fleming, which is scheduled for trial next March.

Fleming’s attorney, Patrick Delfino, said the cost of the pending lawsuit and Fleming’s health problems led him to the Alford plea.

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87-Year-Old Gets Probation In Shooting

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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