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Deputies: Grandfather claims self-defense in fatal shooting of grandson in Kanawha County

ELKVIEW, W.Va. — A grandfather said he was acting in self-defense when he shot and killed his grandson Monday morning in Kanawha County.

According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, Richard Lipscomb, 78 of Elkview, shot and killed Griffin Lipscomb, 19, just after 7 a.m. at a house on Sparrow Lane in the Elkview area.

Sgt. Brian Humphreys of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office said the grandfather called 911 to report a domestic disturbance, an argument between himself and his grandson, and during the course of the call a gunshot was fired.

Griffin Lipscomb was shot in the chest and died at the scene.

“Detectives have been on the scene, they have been investigating for a while. They have been collecting evidence and doing interviews with witnesses and others who are familiar with the family dynamic,” Humphreys told MetroNews.

Humphreys said Richard Lipscomb is cooperating with law enforcement. The grandfather and grandson lived at the residence together.

Other people were in the home at the time of the shooting and deputies have taken their statements.

The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of Kanawha County will review the complete investigation and make decisions regarding criminal charges.

As of early Monday afternoon, no one is in custody or facing charges.





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