Colorado family may receive $2.5 million after wrongful death lawsuit

A Mesa County family could get $2.5 million dollars after their 14-year-old son was killed by a hunter.

According to the Denver Post, a federal magistrate recommended the award as a result of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Justin Burns’ family.

He was shot to death in the Uncompahgre National Forest last September by Guy Pohto.

Pohto said he thought he was shooting at an elk when the incident occurred.

He pleaded guilty in January to reckless manslaughter and careless hunting.

He’s been sentenced to five years in prison, and is serving his term in Fremont County jail.

Lawyers have called the case tragic but a message to other hunters within the state.

The payment is still awaiting a final review from a federal judge