Colo. policeman kills 'limping' elk, candlelight vigil held
The officer who shot the elk allegedly said it was limping and appeared as if it needed to be put down, though a resident has said it wasn't limping a few hours before it died.
The officer who shot the elk allegedly said it was limping and appeared as if it needed to be put down, though a resident has said it wasn't limping a few hours before it died.
A聽candlelight聽vigil聽was held to remember the life of a bull elk that was shot and killed by an on-duty Boulder police officer who has since been placed on administrative leave.
Police say an on-duty officer killed the animal late Tuesday, and an off-duty officer took the elk home to be processed for meat. The officer who shot the elk allegedly said it was limping and appeared as if it needed to be put down, though a resident has said it wasn't limping a few hours before it died.
Colorado wildlife officials are investigating whether any crimes occurred.
The several hundred people who turned out to honor the animal on Sunday lit candles, sang and told stories.
The large animal with antlers was wandering the Colorado neighborhood when it was fatally shot by a Boulder police officer, who has been placed on leave. An off-duty officer suspected of helping by loading the carcass into a truck is also on leave.
The Boulder Daily Camera reported that Vigil organizer Jim Riemersma聽 wanted to give people an opportunity to grieve, celebrate and find closure.