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Grass-roots tribute set up near site of fatal standoff

By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Jun 9, 2011 at 12:34 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 9, 2011 at 12:43 PM EDT

AUGUSTA, N.Y. (WKTV) - A grass-roots tribute to murdered Oneida County Sheriff's Deputy Kurt Wyman has surfaced down the street from the fatal standoff that resulted in his death early Tuesday morning.

Someone placed an easel with a picture of a bald Eagle and and American flag on a patch of grass Knoxboro Road. On top of the easel rests a black marker passers by can use to write memorial messages for the slain deputy.

Several already have, including one writer, clearly a small child, who wrote, in a child's scrawl, "I hope you have a good day in Heaven." Several others have written similar messages of gratitude.

The sheriff's department isn't releasing new details as of Thursday afternoon.

Suspect Christian Patterson is still in a medically-induced coma following major surgery Wednesday on several organs. Once he regains consciousness, prosecutors can arraign him on aggravated murder charges. The Oneida County District Attorney's Office is researching whether they can arraign him in the hospital, or must wait until he's well enough to be transported to a town courthouse.

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