August 04, 2003
Intruder shot by Gardnerville homeowner identified ASSOCIATED PRESS

GARDNERVILLE, Nev. (AP) – Douglas County investigators Monday identified
a man who was shot and killed by a homeowner after trying to force his
way into a Gardnerville residence.

An autopsy determined Walter Francis Hetrick, 40, of Antioch, Calif.,
died of a severed femoral artery caused by a gunshot wound, the
sheriff’s office said.

According to investigators, the homeowner on Log Cabin Road called 911
at 11:24 p.m. Saturday, saying someone was trying to force his way into
the home.

The caller also told dispatchers that the homeowner was armed,
authorities said.

A minute later, several shots were fired from a .357 revolver.

Officers responding to the scene found Hetrick lying inside the home,
the sheriff’s office said.
He was taken to the Carson Valley Medical Center, where he was
pronounced dead.
No charges have been filed and the homeowner involved has not been
identified.

The sheriff’s office said detectives hope to complete their
investigation by the end of the week and submit it to the district
attorney office for review.