Date: Fri 15-Nov-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

DiBecele-hunting-accident

Full Text:

Investigation Of Hunting Accident Continues

The investigation into the apparently accidental November 2 shooting death of

Bridgeport hunter Scott A. DiBecelle, 28, in Lower Paugussett State Forest in

Sandy Hook remains an active and open investigation, state police spokesman

Sergeant Dale Hourigan said this week.

At about 4:30 pm when it was starting to get dark, Mr DiBecelle was fatally

wounded by a shotgun blast from an unnamed hunter, according to state police.

Mr DiBecelle had been hunting small game, such as coyote and squirrel, deep in

the forest.

The adult male hunter who shot Mr DiBecelle was hunting for wild turkey in the

same general area, according to Sgt Hourigan.

State police know the identity of the man who shot Mr DiBecelle but have

declined to disclose it. Sgt Hourigan has said the shooting appears to be

accidental.

State police will meet with the state's attorney office to determine if there

will be any criminal prosecution, according to the sergeant. It's unclear when

that meeting will happen, he said.

Newtown emergency service workers encountered great difficulties in getting to

and from the scene of the hunting accident which took place in the woods about

1.5 miles from Great Quarter Road. The Lifestar helicopter, which had been

called to the hunting accident, provided searchlight illumination as it

hovered above emergency crews who walked out of the woods carrying Mr

DiBecelle's body in the dark forest.