The State - News from April 24, 1987

More than 4,000 Sacramento residents signed petitions calling for probation or a new trial for a businessman convicted of involuntary manslaughter for shooting a fleeing burglary suspect. Gerald Gilmore, 51, owner of a construction business, is to be sentenced May 5 in the fatal shooting of Ronald James Schmidt, 20, a convicted burglar. Authorities said Gilmore was staying overnight at his business because of past burglaries when he heard noises, ran outside, confronted Schmidt and fired six bullets into the pavement as the suspect ran away. A ricochet struck Schmidt in the neck. Prosecutors said force was not justified because Gilmore was not in imminent danger of serious injury.