Army Soldier Accused of Killing New York State Police Trooper
In an absolutely tragic turn of events, a New York State Police Trooper lost his life Sunday night in the tiny town of Theresa, New York, which sits near the Canadian border. The 2010 census lists the town as having just 863 residents.
According to New York State Police Superintendent, George P. Beach II, 36-year-old New York State Trooper Joel Davis was responding to a call of shots fired in a domestic dispute just after 8pm Sunday, July 9th. While approaching the home, Trooper Davis was shot once and killed by 32-year-old Justin Walters, an active duty infantryman, stationed at Fort Drum. Also found dead at the scene was Walters wife, 27-year-old Nichole Walters.
Trooper Davis graduated from police academy in 2013 and is survived by a wife and three children. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo released the following statement,
The entire New York family grieves today for Trooper Joel Davis, who was shot and killed in the line of duty Sunday night in Theresa, Jefferson County. Trooper Davis served as a member of the New York State Police for four years and his death is yet another sad reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face each day in order to protect our communities and serve the residents of this great state. I ask all New Yorkers to keep Trooper Davis' family, loved ones and colleagues in the state police in their prayers during this incredibly difficult time."
New York State Police say this matter will remain under investigation.