Hunter Gets Probation in Accidental Shooting
July 22, 2008 11:32 AM
A hunter who paralyzed a University of Oregon student in an accidental shooting has pleaded guilty to felony assault with a firearm.
But 28-year-old Derek Madsen of Veneta will not have to spend any time in prison.
Madsen was sentenced Monday to three years on probation and 150 hours of community service. He must also pay $20,000 to Jesse McLaughlin, who is completely paralyzed from the neck down.
Madsen shot McLaughlin on a rural road near Eugene last October, when McLaughlin was playing paintball with friends.
Madsen says he was shooting at a skunk.
