Ft Bragg soldier killed while hunting

[Tree Potato]

QP's, on behalf of the uncle-in-law of SSgt Devitto, I respectfully ask those of you in the Ft. Bragg area to take a moment and look at the sketch of a suspect in SSgt Devitto's death in the article linked below. If you have any info on this suspect the sheriff, SSgt Devitto's family, and his unit would appreciate hearing from you.

His funeral service was today; his burial will be on Wednesday, 9 January, in Arlington National Cemetery.

RIP, soldier.

v/r,
TP
-----
http://www.wral.com/lee-authorities-...nter/11940359/

Sanford, N.C. — Lee County authorities said Thursday that they are seeking a man and a pickup truck in connection with the fatal shooting of a hunter last month.

Robert Matthew Devitto, 26, of Broadway, was duck hunting by himself on Dec. 18 on state game lands near Gunther Road in Lee County when he was shot. He died three days later.

Investigators said Devitto, a Fort Bragg soldier, was shot at a relatively close range and that the shooter likely knew he or she was shooting at a person. They said it appeared that Devitto had gotten into some kind of confrontation with another hunter, and the shooting wasn't an accident.

The Lee County Sheriff's Office has released a composite sketch of a man seen in the area where Devitto was found. He was described as white, in his 20s, with fair skin and scruffy, reddish facial hair. He was wearing a camouflage hat.

Investigators also are searching for a mid-1990s or early 2000s green Dodge Ram extended-cab pickup that was seen in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 919-775-5531 or leave an anonymous tip at 919-718-4577. A cash reward is offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.

[Pete]

White guy, 20s, scruffy redish facial hair and/or a green Dodge extended cab pickup.

Got it.

While a long ways from Lee County Game Lands - I'll keep my eyes out while in the Uwharrie and Birkhead areas this coming year.

I would hope the police will be able to cross reference vehicle registration with hunting lisences to get a few folks to interview.

While at Woodrun Camp over the New Years weekend we only saw 8 hunters. They were far outnumbered by the Hikers (us) and Mtn Bikers.

As a side note - Nothing to do with this story - The Trail Head bulletin board states it's hunting season and it's recommended that all hikers and riders wear bright colors. Most don't. From chatting with the Hunters it appears the hikers without bright colors don't bother them that much but the bikers, due to speed and quietness on some sections of the trails, do cause them some concern.

Share the woods - they are there for everyone.

[airbornediver]

They should also tell the hunters to positively ID the target before engaging.


Very sad about your nephew-in-law. May he Rest in Peace and his family find comfort.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by airbornediver

They should also tell the hunters to positively ID the target before engaging. .........

Which is why hikers don't seem to bother the Hunters much. They move at a walking speed.

The bikes move very quickly and pretty quiet in some parts of the trails. A hunter can see a deer, clear the area, bring up the rifle, start to sight in and a biker rockets into the playing field. And the bikers don't always stay on the bike marked trails.

Bright colors on everyone would help.

[Tree Potato]

Originally Posted by airbornediver

They should also tell the hunters to positively ID the target before engaging.


Very sad about your nephew-in-law. May he Rest in Peace and his family find comfort.

To clarify, I'm just a friend of his uncle but reached out to professionals here since a soldier was killed and the eyes and memory skills of a local QP may help find the shooter.

This wasn't an accident; the shooter most likely knew they were shooting at a person at close range following a confrontation.

[mangler]

Update-

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?se...cal&id=8946843

Burnette confirmed to authorities that he had hunted on the Game Lands in question on Dec. 18 and had discharged his shotgun at what he believed to be a deer. Upon checking the area for what he shot, he realized he had shot a man.

Burnette said he told his uncle after they left the area that he believed he had shot another hunter, but neither alerted authorities.

According to a friend who is related to the victim, the local LEO believe he was killed at very short range and there was signs of a confrontation at the scene.

[Lan]

Who goes deer hunting with a shotgun? RIP soldier.