May 5, 2008 11:08 pm US/Central
Residents React To Details Of Hunter Who Shot Son
BELLE PLAINE, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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The criminal complaint said Anthony Klaseus told authorities he heard a noise while hunting and said, "I thought it was a turkey and I shot and it went down ... then my son jumped back up screaming and then fell back down."
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A Minnesota community is reacting to charges against a father for a hunting accident that killed his son. Investigators said Anthony Klaseus had alcohol and marijuana in his body when he mistook his 8-year-old boy for a turkey two weeks ago.
Hunter Klaseus died in a field near Belle Plaine on April 19. The Sibley County Sheriff said he and his father did not have permission to be on that land and Anthony Klaseus did not have a hunting license.
"This poor little boy had his whole life ahead of him. And why did a father make such a bad mistake?" said Belle Plaine resident Sandy Johnson.
Two weeks ago Johnson and others in the city of Belle Plaine were mourning the loss of 8-year-old Hunter Klaseus, and showing remorse for his father Anthony Klaseus. But after hearing of the charges filed against Anthony Klaseus on Monday, those feelings of understanding have been replaced by anger.
"Obviously learning that he's been using drugs and alcohol is going to have an impact on what people are feeling," said Johnson.
According to the criminal complaint, Anthony Klaseus was covered in blood and distraught when authorities found him with his son near a field. He immediately asked authorities "How could I shoot and kill my son?"
The criminal complaint also said Anthony Klaseus told authorities he heard a noise while hunting and said, "I thought it was a turkey and I shot and it went down ... then my son jumped back up screaming and then fell back down."
Deputies smelled alcohol on Anthony Klaseus' breath and a blood test later showed he had alcohol and marijuana in his system at the time of the shooting. After searching his Chevy Silverado truck, they also discovered several empty beer bottles and a marijuana pipe.
The allegations caused many people around town to change their opinion.
"As a daycare provider I feel that man was very, very wrong and they better prosecute him to the max, the max. An innocent child is gone," said Kris Otto.
According to Minnesota law, a hunter is prohibited from using a gun if their blood alcohol is .08 or more, or if they have a combination of drugs in their system. This would include alcohol and marijuana.
Anthony Klaseus faces 10 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines if he's found guilty. His next court appearance is May 22.
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