5-year-old Killed by Stray Bullet, Parents Write Book to Heal

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

NOBLE, Oklahoma -- It's been almost three years since a young Noble boy, Austin Haley, was accidentally killed by a stray bullet. His parents have been struggling with their grief ever since, and now have written down their experiences in the pages of a book.

Jack and Renee Haley can never forget what happened on August 7, 2007.

"I heard both gunshots very loud," said Renee Haley, Austin's mother.

Moments later came a tragic 911 call. The 5-year-old died from a stray bullet fired by a Noble police officer who was trying to kill a snake.

Austin was buried in Noble. His parents hope his death can teach some enduring lessons. They wrote the book "The Austin Haley Story" to work through their own sorrow.

Learn more about the Haley's book.

"It was healing to be able to write down those words, you know, and all our feelings and everything we went through," said Jack Haley, Austin's father.

"The lesson that we have learned throughout the situation was to remember God throughout the whole situation, to focus on God, turn your life over to God no matter how terrible the situation may be," said Renee Haley.

The Oklahoma Mutual Assurance Group is using the circumstances of Austin's death to teach police officers about the improper use of firearms.

As for the police officers involved in her son's death, Renee Haley said at the trial she reached out to one of the officers in a spirit of forgiveness.

"We knew that he must be grieving himself and before we knew it, we had reached out and given the police officer a hug," said Renee Haley.

The two Noble police officers involved in Austin's death pleaded no contest to manslaughter and received deferred sentences.