Hunter who killed neighbor while shooting after sunset charged with manslaughter
Meaghan M. McDermott
A Southern Tier hunter has been indicted on two counts of second-degree manslaughter and hunting after legal hours in connection with the death of a woman in Sherman on Nov. 22.
According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Thomas B. Jadlowski, 34, opened fire around 5:20 p.m. on what he thought was a deer, but turned out to be his neighbor out walking her dogs.
Sunset in Chautauqua County on Nov. 22 was 4:51 p.m. Under state law, big game hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.
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Rosemary Bilquist, 43, was walking her two yellow Labradors in a field about 150 yards away from her home when she was struck in the hip by a .35-caliber hunting pistol round fired by Jadlowski, who was about 200 yards away, according to police. He heard her screams and called 911. According to the DEC, Jadlowski also administered first aid until emergency responders arrived.
Bilquist, a hospital worker and hospice voluntter, was transported to a medical center in Erie, Pennsylvania, where she died from her injuries.
"Jadlowski is being held accountable for his dangerous and reckless conduct when he fired a shot in the dark, causing this terrible tragedy," said Basil Seggos, commissioner of the DEC. "I hope this sends a loud and clear message that illegal hunting after sunset is dangerous and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law."
Chautauqua County District Attorney Patrick E. Swanson said the incident underscores the importance of taking hunting laws seriously.
"This incident was completely avoidable," he said.
Jadlowski pleaded not guilty and his bail was set at $50,000 cash of $100,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Chatauqua County Court again on Jan. 29.
If convicted, he faces a sentence of 5 to 15 years in prison.
Includes reporting by The Associated Press.