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Teen charged in fatal shooting of Monongalia County 18-year-old

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An 18-year-old man faces a misdemeanor charge in a fatal February shooting.

Brandon Christoff was arraigned Wednesday on an involuntary manslaughter charge in the death of Colton Balasko, 18, of Price Hill Road.

Balasko was found dead at a Cheat Lake residence on Crosby Road the night of Feb. 21.

At the time, Monongalia County Sheriff Al Kisner said four individuals, including the victim, were present when the shooting occurred.

Authorities were considering Balasko’s death an accident but were working with the Monongalia County prosecutor’s office to determine if charges would be filed.

Monongalia County Magistrate Darris J. Summers set Christoff’s bond at $5,000.





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