The attorney for the Sherman man charged with second-degree manslaughter and hunting after hours in the death of Sherman’s Rosemary “Rosie” Billquist, 43, on Nov. 22 has issued a statement.

Michael Cerrie, who is representing Thomas Jadlowski, 34, has offered condolences and called the incident a “tragic situation.”

“On behalf of my client, Tom Jadlowski, I want to extend our condolences to Mr. Jamie Billquist, and his family and friends,” he said this morning.

“This is a tragic situation. Mrs. Billquist was a shining star in our community, and she will clearly be greatly missed.

“This tragic event will certainly alter the lives of her family and friends, as it will for my client and his family.

“At this time, we will not be answering any further questions, until we have a chance to review the discovery material that will be provided by the Chautauqua District Attorneys’ Office.”

The incident occurred the day before Thanksgiving. Jadlowski told police he thought he saw a deer that night – about a half hour after sunset – when he fired a pistol. The shot struck Billquist, who was walking her two dogs near her home on Armenian Road in Sherman. After the shooting, Jadlowski found Billquist and called 9-1-1. He applied pressure to her wound while waiting for first responders to arrive, the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office said at the time.

Billquist was taken to an Erie, Pa., hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Jadlowski was arraigned in Chautauqua County Court in front of Judge David Foley where he pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at $50,000 cash, $100,000 property.

Manslaughter is a form of homicide, according to New York state laws. In the second degree, it is conduct which causes the death of a person – committed when a defendant recklessly causes death.

Jadlowski is due back in court Jan. 29.