Trial begins in case of Evergreen man who shot bear cubs

After more than a year, trial proceedings are finally under way in the case against Daniel C. Williams, the Evergreen man who shot and killed two bear cubs on the morning of Sept. 1, 2015.

Williams is charged with two felonies — illegal discharge of a firearm and aggravated cruelty to an animal — and several misdemeanors — two counts of black bear hunting out of season, two counts of illegal possession of wildlife, and one count of shooting from a public road. He pleaded not guilty to all charges on Jan. 25.

In opening statements Monday afternoon, Deputy District Attorney Steve Jensen charged that Williams not only needlessly shot the adult black bear and her two cubs, but also acted recklessly in discharging a firearm so close to other homes. In response, defense attorney Harvey Steinberg suggested that the evidence doesn't support the charges against Williams.

The trial is expected to run through at least Wednesday, with jury deliberations taking place Thursday morning and afternoon. If convicted on the felony counts, Williams could face up to 4½ years in prison. Each misdemeanor charge carries a potential county jail sentence and significant fines, according to the DA's office.

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By Sal Christ
Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 2:53 pm
Contact reporter Sal Christ at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 303-350-1035.

The jury remains out in the Daniel C. Williams case. Nearing seven hours of deliberation, including a lunch break.

GUILTY VERDICT: Daniel C. Williams found guilty on charges of illegal discharge of a firearm, aggravated cruelty to an animal and illegal possession of wildlife.

Williams found NOT GUILTY of 2 counts hunting black bears out of season and shooting from a public road.

Williams will face sentencing on 23 January 2017 following the completion of a pre-sentencing investigation.