In the crisp morning air of November 5, 2018, a hunting trip in the picturesque landscape of northeastern Grand County, Colorado, took a tragic turn. Ernest 'Ernie' Ackerly, a 43-year-old male from Centennial, was preparing for a day of hunting with a group of companions in a parking lot situated north of Granby. As the hunters readied their gear, a rifle belonging to one of Ackerly's longtime friends, Randall Wolfswinkel, discharged. The single bullet struck Ackerly, inflicting a fatal wound.
Emergency services were promptly called, and Ackerly was rushed to Middle Park Health-Granby, but sadly, he was pronounced dead.
The Grand County Sheriff's Office immediately launched a thorough investigation into the shooting. Detectives worked to piece together the events leading up to the fatal incident, with the initial understanding that it was likely a hunting accident. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Grand County Coroner's Office and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, highlighting the serious nature of the event in a community where hunting is a deeply ingrained tradition. For over a year and a half, the case remained under review by the 14th Judicial District Attorney's Office as they carefully considered the evidence to determine if criminal charges were warranted. The central question was whether the discharge of the firearm constituted a criminal act or a tragic, unavoidable accident.
In June 2020, the investigation concluded, and Randall Wolfswinkel, then 46 years old, was charged in connection with Ackerly's death. The charges brought against him were two misdemeanors: prohibited use of a weapon and hunting in a careless manner. The 14th District Attorney's Office noted that the investigation found the death of Ackerly to be the result of an accidental discharge, as opposed to an intentional act. This distinction was crucial in the determination of the charges. The case was settled before it could proceed to a trial.
In July 2020, Wolfswinkel pleaded guilty to the charges. His sentencing included three years of unsupervised probation, 300 hours of community service, and a requirement to complete a gun safety course. He was also ordered to make a $5,000 charitable donation. In a poignant detail, it was reported that the Ackerly family was consulted and supported the charging decision and the negotiated resolution of the case, a factor that the District Attorney's office considered important for the healing process. The tragic event served as a somber reminder of the paramount importance of firearm safety, even among experienced hunters and close friends.
