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Jackson County Deputy’s 4-Year-Old Son Killed In Accidental Shooting

Posted at 7:35 PM, Mar 03, 2013
and last updated 2013-03-03 23:15:50-05

JACKSON COUNTY, Mich– Lon Zicafoose was returning home from a shopping trip, and noticed his neighbor, Jackson County Deputy Mark Easter leaving his home for work.

“Not, maybe 5 minutes later we heard him coming back, his lights were on his siren were going and he raced around the corner and into his driveway and nearly spun out. Raced up to the house and ran inside. I thought, okay, something is going on,” Lon Zicafoose, neighbor said.

Lon and his son Riley had no idea what was going on, but knew something was seriously wrong.

“He ran into the house and then about 2 or 3 minutes later, he came out and was screaming, no, no, no,” Riley Zicafoose said.

According to WLNS, Easter’s 4-year-old son shot and killed himself around 5pm Saturday night at the deputy’s home in Jackson County. The Sheriff for Jackson County Sheriff’s Office says Easter was on his way to work, and believes the child was at home with his mother.

“I knew it was bad when one of the local sheriff’s here, he came out of the house and was walking down the driveway. I could tell he was crying and he got closer to the road here and he was sobbing and crying,” Lon said.

Lon says he has so many questions as to how this happened.

“How did that kid get that weapon? How did he get a loaded weapon? How did they have access to it? I just can’t imagine what the mom is going through, because the mom was there, what the mom and other kids are going through,” Lon said.

Lon says he’s family is giving Easter’s family the space they need to grieve, but they plan on offering to help them with anything they need during this difficult time.

“I can’t imagine what they are going through right now, I hope and pray the family can get through this,” Lon said.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office plans on bringing in grief counselors to talk to members of the staff.