Salem-News.com (Oct-09-2007 12:32)

Ostrich Attack Leads to Vengeance Killing

Tim King Salem-News.com

The men were attacked and humiliated by a bird named Gaylord, later they returned for revenge.

(SAN FRANCISCO) - A five-month sentence was handed down to a man in San Fransisco this week for gunning down an ostrich that stomped on his pride, literally.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that it began when two men, 19-year old Timothy McKevitt and 21-year old Jonathon Porter, trespassed on an ostrich ranch property south of San Francisco during a night of drinking last October, while accompanied by female companions.

After entering the property, the two men startled the bird named Gaylord, and were pummeled by the large flightless ostrich in front of their female companions, who apparently found the matter very funny and began laughing.

During the ostrich attack, McKevitt received kicks to the ribs and he was knocked over. Porter fared slightly better, suffering bruises and scrapes.

With damaged pride, prosecutors say the two formed a plan to return and take revenge on Gaylord. The paper reports that they came back with a rifle and a shotgun to kill the bird that humiliated them.

Hey, it's better than doing a drive by in a crowded neighborhood, right? But the Chronicle reports that this pair unleashed serious gunfire at Gaylord, firing at least seven shots, police said.

The San Francisco Chronicle quotes Prosecutor Steve Wagstaffe as saying, "This whole thing is about male pride."

After sentencing, Timothy McKevitt was set free on bail with an agreement that he would turn himself in November 3rd. The paper reports that Jonathan Porter was sentenced in March to seven months in jail after being convicted in the shooting of Gaylord the ostrich.

Ostrich Attack Leads to Vengeance Killing

Salem-News.com