N.Y. Trooper Fatally Shot During Domestic Call

July 10, 2017
Officials say that Trooper Joel R. Davis was fatally shot by Justin Walters, an active-duty soldier who allegedly killed his wife before the trooper arrived.

THERESA, New York — Two people, including a state police trooper, have died after being shot during a domestic incident in Theresa on Sunday evening.

Trooper Jack Keller, a state police spokesman, said that at 8:09 p.m., Justin Walters, 32, of 34371 County Route 46, allegedly shot and killed his wife, whose name was not provided, in the driveway.

A woman whose family lived near the Walters’ white double-wide trailer went outside after the first shots, and suffered a gunshot wound in the upper torso, Trooper Keller said. The woman was taken to Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, for treatment of what are believed to be “non-life-threatening injuries.”

State police trooper Joel R. Davis, 36, then responded to the scene.

“We have numerous calls hearing gun shots prior to the trooper arriving,” he said.

Trooper Davis was shot once during the incident, state police said, and was pronounced dead Sunday night.

Walters, an active-duty soldier at Fort Drum, surrendered in the driveway of the home as additional law enforcement arrived, and is in custody.

Trooper Davis is survived by his wife and three children, state police said.

Roads near the incident were shut down for hours as first responders worked at the scene.

Forensic investigators were are on the scene, reviewing evidence. First Deputy Superintendent of the New York State Police Christopher Fiore was is also en route to the scene.

A toddler living in the Walters home is currently with Jefferson County Child Protective Services.

Copyright 2017 Watertown Daily Times, N.Y.  

Tribune News Service

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