Marine veteran, 35, charged with shooting and killing boy, 11, during a turkey hunting trip in Alabama
- Joshua Burks, 35, will turn himself in for reckless manslaughter in the killing of 11-year-old Troy Ellis
- Deputies say the boy and his father were turkey hunting with another pair of hunters when the child was shot
- The sheriff’s office says medical personnel responded to the scene and made multiple attempts to save the boy’s life, but were unsuccessful
An Alabama man has been charged in connection with the shooting death of an 11-year-old boy who was killed during a turkey hunt on Friday morning.
It is expected that Joshua Burks, 35, will turn himself in for reckless manslaughter.
Police say Burks is responsible for shooting 11-year-old Troy Ellis while on the hunt.
11-year-old Troy Ellis was shot dead in a tragic accident during a turkey hunt in Alabama
The youngster was with his father, Obed Ellis, at the time of the killing. Obed was also treated at the scene for a minor injury as a result of the gunfire. Right, Troy, pictured with a turkey
Marine Corps veteran and baseball teacher Joshua Burks, 35, will turn himself in for reckless manslaughter in the killing
The youngster’s father, Obed Ellis, was also treated at the scene for a minor injury as a result of the gunfire.
Once Burks turns himself in, he is expected to be booked into the Jefferson County Jail on a $15,000 bond.
Burks, an amputee, is U.S. Marine Corps veteran and was a teacher in Mobile as of 2012. He was listed as a baseball coach at Davidson High School in Mobile.
The hunt was organized by a group that sponsors hunts for wounded veterans and Obed Ellis was acting as a guide.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family which has raised $46,500 so far
Dad, Obed Ellis, is pictured with his son, Troy, right, and his wife and two other children
The father and son are pictured before heading out on a hunt
Jefferson County Sheriff’s investigators said they determined there was enough evidence to justify an arrest warrant for reckless manslaughter against Burks.
Deputies say the boy and his father were turkey hunting with another pair of hunters when the child was shot, according to WVTM.
The sheriff’s office says medical personnel responded to the scene and made multiple attempts to save the boy’s life, but were unsuccessful.
‘Mr. Burks in no manner intended for this horrible accident to occur and feels extreme sorry and hurt for the Ellis family,’ said his attorney, Jonathan C. McCardle to AL.com.
The sheriff’s office says medical personnel responded to the scene and made multiple attempts to save the boy’s life, but were ultimately unsuccessful
‘While I feel criminal charges should not have been brought forth here, we look forward to working with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office in bringing a resolution for all involved in this horrible accident.’
Troy went to Cahaba Elementary School.
“We were devastated to hear about the hunting accident and the loss of our precious 5th grade student. Any loss of life is tragic, especially during these times of isolation when we can’t grieve together,” said Trussville City Schools Superintendent Pattie Neill in a statement.
“The Ellis family and the Cahaba family are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are reaching out to help in any way we can.”
A GoFundMe to help the family has already raised more than $46,500.