NJ Judge Orders Turkey Killing Trial Moved

RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- More than 200 letters from angry residents led a judge in New Jersey to move the trial for two 18-year-olds accused of killing a wild turkey.

James Garner and Garnic Hovannesian were issued summonses for hunting in Rutherford. The case will likely be moved to Hackensack.
Police say Hovannesian, with Garner by his side, shot the bird in July. Police say many neighborhood residents had adopted the bird as a mascot.

The state Fish and Wildlife Division charged Hovannesian with possession of a nocked arrow within 450 feet of a building, killing a wild turkey out of season and hunting without a license. Both were also charged with animal cruelty.

Garner's mother, Jolyn, told The Record newspaper her son is sorry and wants residents to stop harassing him.

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