Oklahoma hunter to be charged in man's death, sheriff says

DE QUEEN, Ark. (AP) -- An Arkansas sheriff says an Oklahoma man will face a misdemeanor charge of negligent homicide after authorities say he killed a man he mistook for a deer.<br/><br/>Sheriff John Partain

Monday, December 5th 2005, 5:49 am

By: News On 6

DE QUEEN, Ark. (AP) -- An Arkansas sheriff says an Oklahoma man will face a misdemeanor charge of negligent homicide after authorities say he killed a man he mistook for a deer.

Sheriff John Partain in Sevier County, Arkansas, say charges likely will be filed today against Jimmy Joe Box of Fanshawe, Oklahoma.

20-year-old Phillip Smith was killed November 26 while riding a four-wheeler in the woods in southwest Arkansas.

Authorities say Box was hunting from a deer stand when he heard brush popping and saw movement in the bushes. They say he shot one time toward the movement without identifying his target.

After hearing a shout, Box got off his stand to see what happened and then called 911 from his cell phone.

Box already has been charged with hunting without an Arkansas license and being a felon in possession of a firearm.