Daphne man is killed by hunting partner in Huxford area Tuesday
A 45-year old Daphne resident was shot and killed in an apparent hunting accident early Tuesday in the Huxford community, but the investigation into the death continues.
Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Mike Lambert said dispatchers received a 911 call about 9 a.m. Tuesday of the shooting at a hunting club near Prestwood Bridge Road. When officers arrived they found he body of Darren Smith, who apparently died from a single gunshot wound from a high-powered rifle.
Lambert noted Smith's hunting partner, who apparently fired the fatal shot, was a family friend and was the one who called 911. He also said the shooter, who has not been identified, is cooperating with the investigation.
“There is no indication of foul play,” Lambert said. “But we treat all deaths as homicides until it's proven different.”
Lambert noted Smith's body was transported to the Department of Forensic Sciences in Mobile for an autopsy.
“Right now all indications are that it was a hunting accident, but we, along with officers with Alabama Game and Fish, are continuing the investigation,” Lambert said.
Lambert said it appears neither hunter was wearing hunter-orange when the shooting occurred and the shooter apparently heard movement in the bushes, and thinking it was a deer, fired his weapon.
Lambert said in addition to sheriff's deputies and game and fish officers, members of the Huxford and McCullough fire departments responded to the scene.
