To: Alan Smithee who wrote (88038 ) 11/24/2004 1:16:05 AM From: Sully- Respond to of 793551 There is so much that doesn't make sense. And it's too soon for enough solid facts to be out there to take a firm position one way or another. Think about this for a second. Which scenario sounds more plausible? Your friend just fired a warning shot. The trespasser crouches down & can be seen removing his scope while at fairly close range. Or, no shots have been fired. Vang walks a short distance away & begins to take off his scope. Which version would have the 8 hunters still standing their ground watching Vang? I can assure you that if I was in the group of 8 & my guy fired a shot at Vang first; When Vang stood his ground & took off that scope, I'd be running for my life because I know what's about to happen! So why did they just stand there? IMO, Vang fired the first shot.....Chai Soua Vang started walking away and after about 40 yards, he appeared to remove the telescopic sight from his rifle, turned and began shooting, according to Hesebeck's version . Willers was struck first, and returned fire..... ....Chai Soua Vang said he got about 20 yards away and turned and noticed that one of the men - thought to be Willers - had a rifle, which he took off his shoulder. As he walked a few more feet, the man with the rifle pointed it at him and fired, with the bullet hitting the ground 30 to 40 feet behind him. Chai Soua Vang said he took the scope off his rifle and fired twice at the man and he fell. The others in the group ran toward the ATVs and Chai Soua Vang said he kept firing and two or three others fell to the ground..... ...Chai Soua Vang .... qualified as a sharpshooter in the California National Guard... ....The "probable cause statement" filed Tuesday does not charge Chai Soua Vang in the shootings. It says authorities believe he was responsible.... ...Authorities said they were considering filing six counts of first-degree intentional homicide and two counts of first-degree attempted intentional homicide..... grandforks.com