Tragedy in Siberia: Teenager Shot Dead After Being Mistaken for Deer
A 17-year-old boy was fatally shot by a hunter who mistook him for a deer near the village of Mezhdurino in Russia's Kemerovo region, Siberia.
The victim, Ruslan Gaus, was riding a moped with another teenager when they heard a vehicle approaching. Believing it to be police, the pair hid in the bushes. A hunter allegedly saw a silhouette through a thermal imaging sight and fired, killing Gaus.
Investigation
Russian authorities have launched a murder investigation. Three men are reportedly involved: two businessmen and a football coach. The men allegedly had been drinking before the shooting. They reportedly fled the scene but later surrendered to police. Detectives said one suspect deliberately fired a shot in the direction of the victim.
Statements
"Those responsible must receive the maximum punishment under the law."
Gaus's girlfriend, Violetta Parushkina, called for strict legal consequences for the suspects.