Published: December 03, 2008 08:22 am      

Man sues his alleged shooter

Woodbine man seeks damages from 2007 shooting

By Sean Bailey / Staff Writer

After being shot a year ago, a Woodbine man is suing the person he says pulled the trigger.

Jerry Jerome Hill filed a lawsuit in Whitley County Circuit Court on Nov. 24 against Bill Findley Sr. and Bill Findley Jr.

According to the lawsuit “Bill Finley (sic) Sr. did negligently and carelessly discharge a firearm, resulting in multiple gunshot wounds to the Plantiff.” The lawsuit also claims that Bill Findley Jr. “maliciously kicked” Hill after Bill Findley Sr. shot him, “intending to cause an immediate, harmful and un-consented contact.”

Hill is seeking damages for payment of medical bills, any possible future medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, scarring and permanent disfigurement and likelihood of future complications. Hill is also seeking a trial by jury and court costs.

Bill Findley Sr., 67, entered an Alford Plea in connection to the shooting in Whitley County Circuit Court in September. An Alford Plea means that Bill Findley Sr. maintains his innocence but concedes that prosecutors have enough evidence to convict him.

According to early reports, the Nov. 26, 2007 shooting that left Hill injured was the result of an “ongoing feud” between neighbors. Findley Sr. allegedly came onto the property of the victims, Hill and Terry Robins, located on Bluebird Lane. Police said the incident began as a verbal argument but escalated once weapons were brought into play. Findley Sr. allegedly shot Robins three times and Hill once in the foot.

Findley Sr. was originally charged with two counts of attempted murder, but had his charges amended to two counts of first-degree assault under extreme emotional distress. The commonwealth’s attorney recommended two three-year sentences to be served consecutively. On top of the six-year prison term, the prosecution also recommended five years of unsupervised probation.

Findley Jr. did not face criminal charges because of the incident.

After Findley Sr. entered his Alford plea, and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Stephens presented the plea agreement, Stephens told the court that he had reason to believe the victim’s family would be opposed to the agreement.

Hill is being represented by Aaron Howard in his civil case against the Findleys.