Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 30, 1995                   TAG: 9508300051
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: RICHARD FOSTER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BEDFORD                                LENGTH: Medium

HUNTER GETS 5-YEAR PRISON TERM FOR FATAL MISTAKE

A Roanoke deer hunter has received what prosecutors say may be the longest prison sentence imposed by a Virginia court for a hunting death.

Bedford County Circuit Judge William Sweeney sentenced James L. Wright Jr. to five years in prison Tuesday for the death of Thomas William Puckett. In doing so, Sweeney agreed with the recommendations of the jury that found Wright guilty of involuntary manslaughter in June.

``I don't know if it's the longest sentence,'' Commonwealth's Attorney Randy Krantz said. ``But it's certainly one of the most severe sentences that has ever been handed down by a Virginia trial jury and upheld by the court.''

The average sentence for a hunting-related killing is between six months and two years, he said.

``We just hope this case sends a message that ... if anyone's going to hunt in Bedford County, they need to do it in a safe manner and not act in reckless disregard for human life,'' Krantz said.

``The whole issue in this case is he didn't identify his target. You shouldn't pull your trigger unless you can identify your target.''

Wright shot and killed Puckett last November when he mistook Puckett for a deer in a field southeast of Bedford off Virginia 715.

Wright testified that at the time of the shooting it was dark and his vision was blurry. He said he heard a rustle in the underbrush and fired from 86 feet away without being certain he was firing at a deer.

Wright's hunting companions found Puckett dead of a gunshot wound to the neck. Wright was hunting illegally with a shotgun during muzzle-loading season.

Keywords:
FATLITY