Curtice Gordan, 23, was killed on June 3 during the filming of a promotional video for Kraftwork K-9 in Rochester, Washington.

The shooting has prompted criminal charges and renewed scrutiny of how live demonstrations are conducted on private training properties: Gordan’s employer, owner Wayne Curry, is facing charges described as reckless behavior that caused Gordan’s death and an incident classified as first-degree manslaughter.

According to accounts compiled by authorities and the family, Curry used a loaded rifle to demonstrate that the dog would not react to gunfire (to show why people should get a dog instead of a gun). The dogs involved were German shepherds trained by Gordan at the Kraftwork K-9 facility, where he worked as the manager. These events have raised significant questions about safety regulations; American Humane’s Guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media emphasize the necessity of having Certified Animal Safety Representatives on set to monitor conditions and ensure that all animals are suitably trained for their roles.

Investigators say the fatal shooting occurred on June 3 during the recording of the promotional material. The charge associated with the case is listed in official summaries as first-degree manslaughter; local prosecutors have framed the allegations around reckless conduct that resulted in Gordan’s death.

Gordan’s fiancée, Leria Wilson, remembered him for his humor and warmth. “He’s just really funny. He liked making jokes, liked making people laugh,” she said, capturing the family’s grief and the personal loss behind the legal proceedings. In light of the tragedy, it’s crucial to discuss injury rates in dog training; handler injuries occur at a rate of 1.55 injuries per 1,000 training hours, indicating that safety protocols must be a priority.

Family members told reporters that Gordan had been willing to take part in videos but had raised concerns about Curry’s plan to use live ammunition. Those concerns, and the use of a loaded firearm in a demonstration, are central to the family’s accounts of what led to the fatal shot.

The owner of Kraftwork K-9, Wayne Curry, has been identified in filings and public statements as the person who fired the weapon during the demonstration. The facility, which trains German shepherds, employed Gordan as manager; accounts note his role in training the dogs used in the facility’s promotional work. To prevent accidents during such events, dog training facilities should conduct thorough risk assessments, ensure leashes are used when necessary, and enforce strict participation guidelines.

Gordan’s family has said they want Curry held accountable and are meeting with civil attorneys to weigh legal action, a step that accompanies the criminal charge now on record.

Industry guidance on the use of animals in filmed media emphasizes oversight and safety planning; an overview of such standards is available from Animallaw, which outlines voluntary practices used in production settings. The death has left colleagues and community members confronting the risks of demonstrations that mix firearms and animals on private property. Investigators and prosecutors will determine the next legal steps as the case proceeds through the Thurston County system.

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Original reporting: view the original article.