Man who shot wife while aiming at dog pleads guilty

By Janelle Stecklein

| The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published Aug 13 2012 01:04 pm • Last Updated Aug 13 2012 08:06 pm

A Richfield man who accidentally shot his wife while aiming for his dog has pleaded guilty to several charges related to the shooting.

Alan R. Askwith, 30, pleaded guilty last week in 4th District Court to illegally possessing a firearm, obstructing justice and cruelty to an animal. In exchange, prosecutors dismissed charges of felony discharge of a firearm, escaping from custody, driving a vehicle without an interlock system and driving on revocation.

Askwith was on southbound Interstate 15 when the shooting occurred, authorities have said. Investigators alleged that Askwith for an unknown reason decided to shoot his 115-pound pit bull, but in the process also shot his wife in the leg.

The dog and the wife were both expected to recover, officials said at the time.

He’s scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 17 by Judge Samuel McVey.

jstecklein@sltrib.com

Twitter @sltribjanelle

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