Virginia Man Sentenced for Killing Rare Buck
- A Virginia man has been sentenced to six months in jail for killing a rare Hollywood Buck in Richmond.
- He was also fined thousands of dollars and lost his hunting license for 100 years.
- The man's actions have resulted in legal consequences and public outrage.
RICHMOND, Va. — Jason Walters, 36, has been sentenced to six months in jail, with three months suspended, for the illegal killing of a rare deer known as the Hollywood Buck. In addition to jail time, Walters was fined over $13,000 and has lost his hunting license for 100 years, with 76 years of that suspension also suspended. He pleaded guilty to 20 charges related to the deaths of three deer in Virginia, as confirmed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). The incident came to light after Walters killed the Hollywood Buck, a deer that had become a local fixture in Richmond’s Hollywood Cemetery. Following the killing, photos of the deer were shared on a popular Facebook group for hunters, leading to public outrage. Jeff Phillips, the group’s host, noted that the post quickly garnered attention, with many recognizing the deer as a beloved part of the community. Investigators traced Walters through a black Chevrolet Suburban spotted by witnesses on the day of the killing. A search of his property revealed an archery target in the vehicle, further implicating him in the crime. As part of his sentence, Walters was also ordered to pay $1,250 in fines and serve 30 days of house arrest. A spokesperson for the DWR emphasized that the significant penalties imposed on Walters serve as a deterrent against wildlife crimes, reinforcing the seriousness with which such offenses are treated in Virginia. The spokesperson also highlighted the importance of ethical hunting practices in preserving the sport's reputation.