Footnote: The Deer Hunter
Regarding the West Texas incident mentioned above - - - Just as Art wrote: "Everything went just as it should have for the Good Guys, just as if we're in a rational world."
I was a DA's Investigator back when it happened. At a meeting afterward, I was at a table with the District Attorney from that county. Way he told it, the decision was made early on to protect the identity of "The Deer Hunter" (as he was called in the area.) One of the big networks sent their stringer from Dallas or Fort Worth out to do the "in-depth follow up." He asked about the hunter's name and address. Getting no cooperation from the dead trooper's supervisors, the reporter checked with the Sheriff's Office, the DA, Medical Examiner, and the local media. All either refused to talk, or said, "Hey, we don't know, and don't NEED to know." THIS reporter, a home-grown lad, said, "Good enough, thanks," and went home.
When the network got the abbreviated story, sans interview, they got upset, (fired the stringer??) and flew someone out from New York. THIS worthy went through much the same routine, and ended up in the DA's office. Exchange went something like:
TV Tool: All the cops are being uncooperative. They tell me YOU'RE handling the information.
DA: Yes, sir?
TVT: I need to interview the deer hunter and nobody will tell me his name.
DA: Did you get the news release with all the details, but saying we're protecting his identity?
TVT: Yeah, but I have a right to talk to him. The people have a NEED TO KNOW!
DA: No, sir, that's not correct. You have the right to ask. We have the right to protect him. You have everything except the name and address. I declined to charge him. The grand jury no-billed and commended him. He did right and doesn't need to suffer for it.
TVT: **sputter** You can't do this! I'll bust this town wide open! I'll expose you! I'll **bluster, threaten**
DA: Okay, you do what you need to do. Hang out and run up your expense account. The community can use your money. Uh, you want to drive real careful, though, and don't shake your finger in anybody's face, please.
The following day, four traffic tickets, and six "investigative stops" later, TVT flew back to NYC. The Texas DPS Officers Association later presented a nickel plated Colt .45, suitably engraved, "to The Deer Hunter . . . ." I later saw it at the Texas Ranger Museum in Waco. So far as I know, the hunter's name has never appeared in print or been broadcast.
Oh, yeah, I'd take the shot. Whatever was handy, at that range. I'd have to get a deer rifle out of the safe, but there's a good M1 Carbine stashed by my wife's computer desk. If closer to my car, probably my AR15.
Best,
Johnny