Police: Gardner man died playing Russian Roulette
By BRIAN Stanley bstanley@stmedianetwork.com September 11, 2012 12:12PM
Updated: October 14, 2012 1:29PM
GRUNDY COUNTY — A 48-year-old man died Monday reportedly while playing Russian Roulette.
Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Kevin Callahan said police were called at 6 p.m. to the Bookwalter Woods mobile homes, north of Gardner.
“The victim’s 18-year-old son initially said his father had been shot by an intruder, but later admitted he’d done so because he felt (help) would arrive faster,” Callahan said.
The story change made investigators “suspicious” as deputies and Coroner John W. Callahan began examining the death of Carl L. Buegel.
Buegel’s son then said he’d seen his father playing Russian Roulette, a statement supported by other witnesses who were inside the residence, Kevin Callahan said.
While searching the gun case, investigators found a written note from Buegel stating if someone was reading it he had been playing Russian Roulette, not committing suicide.
“Relatives said this was not his first time playing (Russian Roulette),” Kevin Callahan said.
John Callahan said Buegel’s death is considered “accidental” and no autopsy was performed.
