Investigation continues into deadly Mingo County shooting

LENORE, W.Va. — A Mingo County resident says a man came to his house early Friday morning and started a fight. The homeowner shot and killed the man.

State Police First Sgt. M.S. Lively said the 50-year-old homeowner shot Charles Speer, 42, of Kermit.

“Speer came to the residence at some point around 5 a.m. (Friday), confronted the resident, an altercation ensued and (the resident) ended up shooting Speer,” Lively said.

Speer was not armed, Lively said.

Speer was shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the hospital in Williamson. An autopsy will be performed.

Lively said they aren’t ready to release what the fight was about. He described Speer and the homeowner as acquaintances.

No charges have been filed and Lively said there’s been no final decision if there will be. He said state police have been in contact with the Mingo County prosecutor.

“It’s his belief that we should continue the investigation until it’s determined if charges should be pressed,” Lively said.

The State Police Mobile Crime Lab processed the crime scene, a house located along Route 65 between Lenore and Naugatuck, for about six hours Friday.





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