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Police charge Taylor County man with murder

THORNTON, W.Va. — A Taylor County man has been arrested in connection with a murder investigation.

Burel Mingus

State Police said it happened at a home on Thomas Farm Road in Thornton around 11 p.m. Wednesday.

Burel Mingus, 49, of Thornton, was charged with second degree murder. The victim, John Stewart, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds to the head.

Mingus allegedly told police he shot Stewart once in the back and then shot him again because he was “still behaving aggressively.” Stewart then tried to get up off the floor while making verbal threats, so Mingus shot him in the head, killing him.

Troopers said Mingus is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

Mingus is being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.





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