What started as a casual duck hunting trip near Torrington, Wyoming, turned into a nightmare on January 20th. Gaige Zook, Jackson Harbor, and their unlicensed buddy, Maurizio Justiniano, were out on the Platte River when tragedy struck. Zook’s gun misfired, and while trying to fix it, he accidentally shot Justiniano in the stomach. Despite their efforts and the arrival of EMS, Justiniano didn’t survive.
Deputy Jason Lamb responded to the call, where he found the hunters and Justiniano, who had already been pronounced dead. Zook explained that his gun had malfunctioned, and in the chaos of trying to fix it, he accidentally fired the fatal shot. The group had been using a makeshift blind and decoys, trying to enjoy a day of waterfowling.
Fast forward to April 28th, Zook was charged with involuntary manslaughter and appeared in court on May 14th. Despite having no criminal history and being a student at the University of Wyoming, Zook faces serious charges and could be looking at up to 20 years in prison. The case is now in the Goshen County District Court, with the next steps unfolding as the legal process continues.
Read the full story at The MeatEater here.
