Hunter makes first court appearance for shooting son
May 29th, 2008An omnibus hearing is set for June 19 at 1 p.m. for Anthony Klaseus, a rural Belle Plaine man who accidentally shot and killed his son while turkey hunting last month in Faxon Township.
Klaseus, 39, faces a second degree manslaughter charge as a result of fatally wounding his eight-year-old son, Hunter. He reportedly mistook the boy for a turkey. The maximum penalty for this charge is 10 years in jail and/or $20,000 fine.
In addition to second degree manslaughter, Klaseus is charged with reckless discharge of a firearm, trespassing, and hunting turkeys without a license. The maximum penalty for the reckless discharge of a firearm charge is five years in jail and/or $10,000 fine. The maximum penalties for the trespass and hunting without a license charges are 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine for each charge.
A urine test indicated the presence of alcohol and marijuana in his system, according to the criminal complaint.
Judge Richard C. Perkins, who heard the case Thursday, released Klaseus without bail on the promise to follow the following conditions:
• No use/possession of mood altering chemicals/alcohol with random testing at own expense.
• Report changes of home and/or work address and telephone number to court and attorney.
• Maintain contact with your attorney as requested.
• Not leave Minnesota without a court order; no use/possession of firearms.
