One of the protesters who is part of the armed siege of a national wildlife refuge in Oregon is a convicted murderer who killed his sleeping father with a 16-inch rod,
The Oregonian reports.
Former woodworker Neil Wampler, 68, was found guilty in the gruesome killing of his father, Forey Wampler, in 1977, the newspaper said, citing court records and statements from authorities.
Wampler, who is part of the armed group protesting federal land policies and the jailing of two convicted arsonists, denied to The Oregonian that he is the same man. However, his name and birth date match court and prison records and a commander at the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office identified him from a YouTube video.
Wampler told The Oregonian he can legally possess a gun, although a Sheriff's Office spokesman said he cannot because of his murder conviction.
Asked if he was armed by an Oregonian reporter, Wampler replied, "Oh yes." But he declined to identify his weapon or say whether it was a gun.
As part of a plea bargain, Wampler admitted to second-degree murder and was sentenced to five years behind bars. Wampler reportedly said his dad had insulted his girlfriend.
The anti-government militiamen occupying the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge began their siege three weeks ago to protest at the jailing of Dwight Hammond, 73, and his son Steven, 46, who were convicted of arson for setting fire to federal land.
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