Animal Control Officer kills Floyd Co. man while shooting cow

WSLS News Staff
Published: May 31, 2008

Updated Saturday 7:12 p.m.

Paul Belcher’s family tells 10 on Your Side he will be laid to rest on Sunday, June 1st.

The visitation for family and friends will be Sunday at Maberry Funeral Home in Floyd at noon. The funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. in Maberry’s Chapel. Burial will follow the ceremony at the Belcher/Conner Cemetery in Meadows of Dan
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State Police say the man who shot Paul Belcher is an Animal Control Officer with Floyd County.

Troopers tell us officer Garland Nester was trying to put down one of Belcher’s cows Thursday night.  As Nester shot at the cow, he also shot Belcher.

State Police say they are still looking at evidence, and the investigation is ongoing.

There will be a special prosecutor overseeing the case.  A judge appointed Franklin County Commonwealth’s Attorney Cliff Hapgood as the special prosecutor.

State Police tell us no charges have been filed so far.

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State Police are investigating a shooting from overnight in Floyd County.

The Floyd Co. Sheriff’s Office tell us it happened a little after 7:00 p.m. Thursday night, on Connor Grove Road in Willis.  That’s near the Meadows of Dan.

The family of 75-year-old Paul Belcher tells us they heard gun shots, then ran out and found Paul shot.  He later died at the hospital.

10 On Your Side’s Rosa Duarte is working on this story.  She’ll bring you more information tonight on WSLS at 6:00 p.m.