Helicopter shooter gets eight years

The man who shot a helicopter in southern Shoshone County over two years ago was sentenced to prison time Tuesday.

Judge Fred Gibler sentenced John E. Ross to an eight-year sentence with four years fixed and four years undetermined.

"I'm sorry, your honor," Ross told Gibler prior to sentencing.

Ross, 59, will serve a minimum of 90 days to one year with Judge Gibler retaining jurisdiction, Prosecuting Attorney Keisha Oxendine said, noting that is dependent upon successful completion of rehabilitation and/or other programs. Ross will be required to pay $2,783 in restitution to Gayle Wilson for damage to the helicopter, plus some $540 in court costs.

The incident took place on Oct. 14, 2010 east of Clarkia. Ross confessed to the felony charge of destruction of an aircraft as part of a plea agreement.

Oxendine noted that Ross has multiple misdemeanor convictions, most of which were for DUI, but she declined to request a specific sentence, instead leaving it open for Judge Gibler to decide.

Oxendine said Ross didn't appear to show remorse or concern during his pre-sentence interview.

"He's a man of few words," his attorney Erik Smith said. "He's not going to come out on a pre-sentence report very well."

Smith said that Ross quit drinking alcohol "cold turkey" after the incident, and has remained sober for over two years. Ross also completed individual and anger management counseling, Smith said.

Some 15 of Ross' family members came to the court hearing in a show of support.