Hunter who shot berry picker to serve one-year

BRATTLEBORO, Vt.—A Massachusetts bear hunter who killed a man picking berries in 2005 will serve one year in prison after pleading guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter.

Brian Gilbert, 29, of Charlemont, Mass., entered his plea Friday in the death of Douglas Bartlett, 50, of Whitingham on Sept. 3, 2005.

Gilbert originally was charged with second degree murder and was scheduled to go on trial Monday before a plea deal was reached.

Gilbert acknowledges shooting Bartlett while bear hunting in a remote area of Whitingham but maintains that he saw a bear.

On Friday, Bartlett's family said Gilbert left Bartlett alone in the woods to die even though Gilbert says he and his brother called 911 and has left them with a life sentence without their loved one.

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Information from: Rutland Herald, http://www.rutlandherald.com/