Man accused in Kingsland fatal shooting accepts plea deal
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Oakes will serve one-year deferred adjudication where he will not be able to hold a concealed/carry gun permit, and will pay a $2,000 fine. He was facing charges of criminally negligent homicide and deadly conduct.
District attorney Sam Oatman said some details in the case pointed in favor of Oakes’ acting in self-defense. Oakes was a retired air traffic controller, a respected member of the community and had no criminal record prior to the 2008 shooting, Oatman said.
The charge of criminally negligent homicide was dropped as part of Oakes’ plea of no contest to the deadly conduct charge. And the deadly conduct charge was reduced from a third-degree felony to a class A misdemeanor.
“I felt like justice was served,” Oatman said. “I think the jury would have reached the same conclusion, and he very well could have been acquitted.”
Oakes was scheduled to stand trial on Dec. 7.
For the full story, see Wednesday's Journal.
I know the young man's family. The young man and his friend's were told they could pick up items left at the curb by the owner of the home. It is scary to me that anyone can run out waving a gun shooting claiming they were in fear for their life. He should have called 911 and let the Police handle. We have all been told to not take the law into our own hands. I feel sorry for Casey Rowe's family especially his Mother because I feel today Llano County and their system just told her that her son's life was not worth as much compared to this Mr. Oakes. No one is better or worth more than another. I am in disbelief that this man has killed and is not even serving anytime in prison! It is very scary and I hope this does not make other people believe they can take the law into their hands.