Hunting Related Shooting Death in Wales, Maine
At 4:19 yesterday afternoon, game wardens were called to investigate a hunting related shooting incident. The incident took place off the East Road in Wales. Two males were hunting deer independently of one another. They were in area located between East Road and Route 126. The investigation revealed a 41 year-old male fatally shot a 49 year-old male, both from Wales.
Gerard Parent, age 49, from East Road was fatally shot by Christopher Austin, age 41, from Andrews Road. Both men were hunting with rifles. Preliminary investigation results indicate both men were pursuing the same deer. During the course of the incident, both men fired at what is believed to be the same deer. Austin fired two shots and Parent fired one shot. Early indications are that Austin’s second shot struck Parent, killing him.
Nearly two dozen game wardens and approximately ten state troopers responded to the incident. Resources included warden service canines, Forensic Mappers, aircraft, and the Evidence Response Teams from both the Warden Service and State Police. The investigation continued throughout Tuesday night and resumed this morning. Investigation efforts were supported by both Monmouth and Wales Fire and Rescue departments.
The Maine Warden Service will continue its investigation in cooperation with the Attorney General’s Office and the Medical Examiner’s Officers. The primary warden assigned to the incident is Warden Peter Herring and Sergeant Dave Chabot. State Police CID are also assisting with the investigation. A post-mortem exam is scheduled today by the Medical Examiner’s Office. No photos are being released at this time.
