THERESA, N.Y. – An active duty U.S. Army soldier is accused of shooting and killing a New York State Police trooper who was responding to a domestic dispute.
The trooper has been identified as Joel R. Davis, 36, a four year veteran.
State police say the suspect, 32-year-old Justin Walters, surrendered without incident after the trooper and a woman were shot and killed Sunday night at a home in the town of Theresa, near the Canadian border. Walters was said to be in custody in Watertown late Sunday night.
State police say Trooper Davis responded to a call of shots fired shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday at 34371 Route 46. He was approaching the home when he was gunned down.
State police have confirmed Walters’ wife, 27-year old Nichole Walters, also was found dead at the scene.
Walters is an active duty U.S. Army infantryman who is stationed at Fort Drum. It’s unclear if he has an attorney.
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office released the follow statements regarding the shooting.
“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.”
Trooper Davis was taken to Samaritan Medical Center. State police confirmed his death shortly before midnight.
An ambulance with the trooper arrived at Samaritan Medical Center around 9 p.m., accompanied by several police vehicles.
A second woman who lived on the property was also shot in the upper torso, but a state police spokesman said her injuries were not life threatening.
