STATE OF VERMONT
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
VERMONT STATE POLICE
VERMONT STATE GAME WARDENS

PRESS RELEASE

OFFICERS:

Det.. Lt. J.P. Sinclair - Vermont State Police
Lt. Ken Denton - Vermont State Game Wardens

On 10/25/09, at approximately 0818 hours, State Police and State Game Wardens responded to Sand Hill road in Bradford to a 911 call that a turkey hunter had been shot.  
 
Upon arrival, Troopers, Game Wardens and Upper Valley rescue found the victim (Ryan Terrill 22-Bradford) suffering from gunshot wounds due to shotgun bird shot. Terrill was transported to DHMC where he is being treated for his injuries.  His current medical status is unknown.  

The shooter was found to be Richard Sylvester (49-Topsham).
 
Initial investigation shows that the scene was a cornfield bordered by a wood line located off Sand Hill road.  Terrill was sitting in a camouflage chair just inside the wood line.  He was wearing full camouflage clothing.  Sylvester was walking from the roadway along the edge of the wood line when he shot at what he thought was a turkey, striking Terrill.   They were not hunting together.   

Terrill was struck on his left side torso and head region.  Sylvester attempted to render aid to Terrill; he then left to a nearby residence to contact 911.  He then returned to the scene.  

State Game Wardens are reconstructing the scene.  There will be a joint investigation with the Wardens and State Police Detectives.  The case will be reviewed with the Orange County State’s Attorney upon completion.