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Hunter facing homicide charges for mistaking Chautauqua County woman for deer

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Authorities say a grand jury will decide whether to bring criminal charges against a Western New York hunter who shot and killed a neighbor he mistook for a deer.

Mourners, meantime, are saying their final goodbyes to a woman described by her husband as an angel.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office says Rosemary Billquist was killed Thanksgiving eve while walking her dogs behind her home after sunset, when hunting is illegal.

District Attorney Patrick Swanson said Tuesday his office will ask a grand jury to consider charges of criminally negligent homicide or reckless conduct that resulted in Billquist's death. Either could result in prison for the 34-year-old hunter, Thomas Jadlowski.

Billquist's funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, following a wake Tuesday. Jadlowski could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

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