AUTHORITIES EXAMINE MAN'S SLAYING

SALLISAW -- Two M-4 rifles used by U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms agents in a deadly shooting have been turned over to
investigators but the agents remain on active duty, officials said.
Eugene Hartsell, 46, was shot to death during a "knock and announce"
weapons and drugs search by ATF agents and Sequoyah county sheriff's
deputies Wednesday morning at his home northeast of Sallisaw.

The state medical examiner's office reported that Hartsell, an
ex-convict, died from wounds to his chest and abdomen. He reportedly
walked into his living room with a shotgun as agents entered and was
killed when he didn't put down the weapon, authorities said.

ATF spokesman Tom Crowley said Thursday the agency has ordered a
shooting review of the incident, but that the federal agents have not
been suspended. They also have not been identified.

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation also is looking into
Hartsell's slaying, but Assistant District Attorney Monte Strout does
not expect charges to be filed.

"I don't expect anything unusual" from the report, Strout said. "It's
just a matter of a man who should have dropped his gun."

In addition to Hartsell's gun, Crowley said, ATF agents found
ammunition and methamphetamine lab paraphernalia in the home.

Hartsell was convicted on felony drug counts in 1995 in Sequoyah
County and served three years probation.

Federal agents reportedly knocked on the door of Hartsell's home
before entering. He walked from his bedroom into the front room while
holding the gun, authorities said.

The M-4 rifle used by ATF agents is a shorter, lighter version of the
M-16 rifle. It can fire multiple rounds quickly, although Strout said
he believed that Hartsell was hit just twice.