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Updated 06/09/2011 06:35 PM

Neighbors shocked and saddened by Knoxboro shooting

The death of Deputy Kurt Wyman has sent shockwaves through the tiny hamlet of Knoxboro, including along the road where he was shot. Our Sarah Blazonis talked to neighbors who describe the alleged gunman as a calm person, someone they never would've thought capable of murder.

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KNOXBORO, N.Y. -- Christine Kazlauskas says Christian Patterson's girlfriend was badly shaken when she arrived at her home Monday night after what officials describe as a domestic dispute. She says she never could have guessed what would happen next.

"People who are in a relationship together don't always get along or don't always communicate properly, but we never looked at him and thought it would ever go to that extreme, no," said Kazlauskas.

Because it was dark, the family couldn't make out what was happening at the home across the street, but Kazlauskas did hear gun shots ring out, shots that injured Patterson and killed Oneida County Sheriff's Deputy Kurt Wyman.

The news came as a shock to Kazlauskas, whose family sometimes had bonfires and cook outs with the couple and their son.

"My husband would go over there sometimes and watch movies and stuff," she said. "He was just, for the most part, a very laid back person."

Kazlauskas says Patterson's girlfriend is doing well given the circumstances and says she's thinking of her and her son.

"They're going to need a lot of help and support because they're hurting," said Kazlauskas.

Also in her thoughts and the thoughts of countless others as shown by this makeshift memorial, is Deputy Kurt Wyman.

"I will think about him every day and thank God that him and the other officers were there because, like I said, you never know where a situation can lead," she said.

Although deputies have now reopened Knoxboro Road and left the scene of Monday's standoff, the memory of their fallen brother's sacrifice and the healing needed to be done still remains.