Sadly, a South Carolina woman was tragically shot and killed by a hunter who mistook her for a deer while hunting illegally at night. 20-year-old Kristofer Kelle McDonald reportedly fired three shots from his shotgun at 8:15 p.m. after hearing rustling leaves near the Sawmill Branch Walking Trail in Summerville. According to the New York Post, the woman was walking with her husband and dog when she was struck.

54-year-old Lori Wind was fatally shot with one bullet, while her husband suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was hospitalized with serious, life-threatening injuries, per the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office.

Sam Richardson, the Chief Deputy said,

“There’s just no excuse for anybody being careless with a firearm, and certainly perhaps someone paid a price with their life.”

The shooting broke state laws prohibiting hunting after sunset and requiring hunters to stay at least 300 yards from residences. The suspect surrendered on Wednesday, admitting to illegal hunting after seeing news reports.

The 20-year-old faced charges of involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and battery, criminal negligence leading to death and serious injury, and night hunting, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?