Man Killed as Masonic Initiation Goes Awry
From Times Wire Reports
A man was shot in the face and killed during a Masonic initiation ceremony by a fellow member who mistakenly pulled out a real pistol instead of a blank gun, Patchogue police said.
Albert Eid, the 76-year-old man who fired the shot was charged with manslaughter.
William James, 47, was killed Monday night at the Southside Masonic Lodge.
“We believe it was completely accidental,” said Suffolk County Detective Lt. Jack Fitzpatrick.
The initiation rite was aimed at scaring the new member, authorities said.
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