In Re the Welfare of A.A.E.

OPINION

STRINGER, J.

While deer hunting in St. Louis County appellant A.A.E. intentionally discharged a firearm several times in the direction of a noise he heard and movement he perceived, but tragically what he thought was a deer was in fact a deer stand occupied by 16-year-old Danelle Pogorels. Two shots struck Pogorels causing serious injury. Appellant was charged by petition with the intentional discharge of a firearm under circumstances that endanger the safety of another in violation of Minn.Stat. § 609.66, subd. la(a)(2) (1998). Appellant essentially argued that the statute required…