Man charged with reckless homicide after killing friend in hunting accident

A Kouts man is facing felony charges after shooting his friend in a hunting accident near Culver in February. 

According to reports, Jason Hack, 46, of Kouts, was charged with reckless homicide, a Level 5 Felony; and Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon, a Level 6 Felony. 

Andrew Boots, 31, of North Judson, was shot by Hack on February 28. Boots died from his injuries on March 1. 

Court documents state a relative of Boots told an Indiana Conservation detective that she was at home when she received a phone call about Boots being shot. While at the hospital with Boots, Hack and another individual who had been with them at the time of the shooting told the relative a gun was fired while Boots was positioned around 50 feet away. The two claimed they heard the bullet strike metal and soon realized Boots had been hit in the abdomen by the bullet.

On March 2, the detective interviewed the other individual who was with Boots and Hack during the accident. The individual stated they were raccoon hunting near S.R. 110 and C.R. 500 when he noticed a raccoon approaching their position. After he shined a light on the raccoon, Hack fired a single shot. Following the shot the individual stated they heard the bullet hit metal before Boots began yelling out in pain. 

The witness stated he believed the shooting was unintentional. Hack told police similar details when interviewed. 

Later that month, however, law enforcement determined Boots' injury supported a conclusion that the bullet traveled directly from the gun to Boots without initially striking any object. Police also believed Hack had fired recklessly based on the shooting angle, the proximity and movement of the group. 

Hack was arrested on June 5 and booked at the Fulton County Detention Center. 

Kouts was booked in the Fulton County Jail on June 5. He had an initial hearing Tuesday in Fulton Superior Court. Hack's pre-trial conference is set for September 30.