KINGMAN, Ariz. – Deputy Mohave County attorney James Schoppmann said a former Sheriff’s deputy who shot a Meadview man was greatly impacted by the ordeal. Schoppmann said the deputy referenced as “J.T.” made a career shift to a safer occupation following the May 11 shooting of Scott Hulley, 69, outside Hulley’s home.
Schoppmann’s disclosure came during Hulley’s Oct. 1 sentencing hearing in Kingman.
Prosecution of Hulley took a turn toward leniency when the state recognized that the defendant’s hearing impediment played a role in the Meadview shooting. Deputies visited Hulley’s property in the dark of night to inform him that he had been trespassed following an encounter at his neighbor’s property following a dispute involving a dog.
Public Defender Paul Amann said his client could not see the deputies or hear their commands as they arrived. He said Hulley was confused when he exited his home armed with a shotgun.
“He didn’t really know what was happening. The police were shining lights in his eyes,” Amann said, before Hulley racked the shotgun and fired warning shots. “He did not shoot at them. He shot in the air to scare away intruders.”
Return gunfire resulted in a wound to the groin for Hulley, who was transported to a hospital for treatment. Amann said the incident was an aberration for Hulley and characterized him as a non-violent person.
“I was scared that night,” Hulley said, indicating the warning gunshots were justified under the circumstances. “I thought I was doing the right thing.”
Mohave County Superior Court Judge Derek Carlisle said firearms require responsibility. “I do find it very concerning when people are using weapons and they don’t know what they’re shooting at,” he said.
Carlisle placed Hulley on probation for five years for two attempted aggravated assault convictions achieved in a plea deal. The judge ordered no further jail time beyond the 113 days that Hulley already spent behind bars.
