Girl shot by cousin after he mistook her for a skunk
A man has been placed on two year's probation after shooting his nine-year-old cousin at a Hallowe'en party after confusing her for a skunk.
Thomas Grant has been banned from hunting for two years after accidentally shooting his 9-year-old cousin after confusing her for a skunk Photo: CBS
By Chris Irvine 11:23AM BST 08 May 2013
Thomas Grant, from New Sewickley Township, Pennsylvania, USA, wounded the girl on October 20 last year during a bonfire.
Police claimed that the 25-year-old had been asked by his mother to take care of a skunk in the back garden.
But he managed to hit the girl who was dressed in dark clothing with a white tassel on a hat.
She was flown to a children's hospital in Pittsburgh and underwent surgery for spinal and organ injuries, according to the police report. Grant's lawyer said that the child was hit with about 100 bird shots and is still under medical supervision. She has to be regularly tested for lead poisoning.
He called the shooting a "tragic accident."
As well as the probation, he was ordered to pay restitution to the victim's family - while hunting privileges have also been revoked according to the Beaver County Times.
Police Chief Ronald Leindecker said Grant was "extremely devastated by the actions that took place."
