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Soldier charged in New York State Police trooper’s slaying

THERESA, N.Y. — A U.S. Army soldier has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a New York State Police trooper who was responding to a domestic dispu...
state trooper

THERESA, N.Y. — A U.S. Army soldier has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a New York State Police trooper who was responding to a domestic dispute.

WWNY-TV in Watertown reports 32-year-old Justin Walters was clad only in shorts when he was brought to a town court around 4 a.m. Monday to be charged with first- and second-degree murder. He was ordered held without bail. Walters didn’t have a lawyer at the arraignment. 

State police said 36-year-old Trooper Joel Davis was gunned down while responding to a call of shots fired Sunday night at Walters’ home in the town of Theresa, near the Canadian border.

“We have numerous calls hearing gun shots prior to the trooper arriving,” Trooper Jack Keller, a state police spokesman, said. Trooper Davis was shot once during the incident, state police said, and was pronounced dead Sunday night.

Walters, an active-duty soldier at Fort Drum, surrendered in the driveway of the home as additional law enforcement arrived, and is in custody.

Walters surrendered without incident. His wife, 27-year old Nichole Walters, also was found dead at the scene.

State police said Walters is an active duty infantryman stationed at nearby Fort Drum.

Trooper Davis is survived by his wife and three children, state police said.

Roads near the incident were shut down for hours as first responders worked at the scene.

Forensic investigators were are on the scene, reviewing evidence. First Deputy Superintendent of the New York State Police Christopher Fiore was on to the scene.

A toddler living in the Walters home is currently with Jefferson County Child Protective Services.

 

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