Attorney Gunned Down Outside Calif. Courthouse
Friday, October 31, 2003
An attorney was gunned down Friday on a public walkway outside a courthouse in the Los Angeles suburb of Van Nuys as television crews gathered to cover a hearing for Robert Blake.
The victim has been identified as 53-year-old Jerry Curry. He was shot multiple times in the upper torso, but was conscious as paramedics transported him to a hospital. He remains in stable condition. Police said his injuries were not life-threatening.
Los Angeles Police spokesman James Chong says the shooter was a client of the victim.
Television footage of the shooting showed the attorney trying to duck shots from behind a tree as the shooter, an older man with graying hair and glasses, pointed a revolver at him and fired multiple times.
The attorney took a few steps after being shot then collapsed as the suspect walked calmly from the scene. Police said the shooter was tackled by an off-duty sheriff reserve officer and restrained by several officers and at least one cameraman.
Police said the suspect, identified as William Striler, was found to have two revolvers on him when he was taken into custody. He has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Inside the courthouse, a hearing was under way in the murder case against actor Robert Blake. The shooting incident apparently was unrelated. Upon getting word of the shooting, officials promptly locked down the courthouse.
The Associated Press and Fox News' Darragh Worland contributed to this report.
lawyers suck!