New York State Trooper Killed While Responding To Domestic Dispute

THERESA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A U.S. Army soldier has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a New York State Police trooper who was killed Sunday night while responding to a domestic dispute.

Trooper Joel Davis, 36, was gunned down while responding to a call of shots fired at a home in Theresa, Jefferson County about 20 miles north of Watertown shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday.

Davis was approaching the home when he was shot once and killed, New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Davis' death "is yet another sad reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face each day in order to protect our communities and serve the residents of this great state."

The alleged gunman, 32-year-old Staff Sgt. Justin Walters, of Zeeland, Michigan, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder in Davis' slaying.

He's also been charged with second-degree murder in the death of his wife, 27-year old Nichole Walters, who was found dead at the scene.

Walters is an active duty infantryman at neighboring Fort Drum. He has served at the post since joining the Army in 2007. Walters was deployed to Afghanistan for one-year tours with the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade in January 2009 and again in March 2011, according to the Army.

Flags across New York state will fly at half staff this week in honor of Davis, who is survived by his wife and three children.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)