TOWN OF VIENNA -- A man fatally shot his three-month-old son in front of State Troopers during a standoff outside an upstate New York home Tuesday morning, then was shot and wounded by officers, State Police said.
The man, identified by the Oneida County Sheriff's Office as 21-year-old Adam Theall, was outside a home on Pine Road in Vienna in northwestern Oneida County when troopers arrived after receiving a 911 call around 9:30 a.m. Police say they had received a report about a domestic dispute.
Troopers shot Theall after he used a shotgun on the baby and then threatened officers, authorities said. He was struck multiple times by three Troopers and survived, and was flown to Upstate University Hospital where he underwent surgery for his injuries. He is currently in critical condition, according to State Police.
The baby, identified by State Police Tuesday afternoon as Eithen Theall, was pronounced dead at Rome Hospital. Eithan is Adam's son.
There was no immediate explanation for Adam Theall's actions. Troopers said a total of three children were at the home, all younger than five years old. Police have said that Theall does not live in the home on Pine Road, it is his parents' home. Police say Adam Theall lives in Pine Haven trailer park in Rome.
Tuesday afternoon CNY Central reporter Jim Kenyon spoke with Adam Theall's brother, identified as 'Joe', who said "The last I knew he went to court, he's had custody of him for a while. My mom has been watching the child been babysitting for him, she had him last night... I guess one thing led to another."
Lynn Hollingsworth, a neighbor on Pine Road, added "Adam was a good kid. I know I've heard recently he had some problems in his life, some issues, just like we all have."
Police say the initial 911 call came from two women who were outside the house.
No other injuries were reported.
State Police say Adam Theall is currently on probation for second degree vehicular assault.
Read more on this story at WKTV.com and the Utica Observer-Dispatch.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
