With a scope and a rest, a Contender can easily hit a crow at two to three times the distance of these murders; it would, though, be a terrible weapon if you need a second round quick. They also make one H of a bang with the 14" and shorter tubes, as I know from experience. Given these ranges, a bobbled shot could get the buttswab(s) identified and/or caught- I'd bet against a single loader, unless there is backup.
Has there been a second shot in any of these assaults? Didn't I hear that only once, a second shot was taken? Don't know how long he took to reload.
You know, I hate this bas***d, whoever he is. He needs to get caught.