TAZEWELL, Va. — A Bluefield, West Virginia man is in a Virginia jail charged with murder and malicious wounding stemming from a fight at a New Year’s Eve party.
According to Tazewell, Virginia Police Bradon Coxton, 30, of Tazewell suffered a fatal gunshot wound at his home. A second victim, Aiden Bennett-Shelton,18, was flown to the Johnson City Regional Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee where he was treated and released for his wounds. Coven Byrd-Hall, 23, of Bluefield, W.Va. was arrested and charged with murder, aggravated malicious wounding and weapons violations.
“Mr. Coxton and his girlfriend were hosting a party for New Year’s Eve and they had sent out a flier, so some were known to the couple and some were not. It was a rather large party and an altercation ensued somewhere shortly before midnight,” said. Lt. C.S. Menefee of the Tazewell, Virginia Police Department.
According to Menefee Byrd-Hall only had a loose connection to the hosts of the party.
“He was a friend of a friend,” said Menefee.
It’s hard for police to piece together what sparked the confrontation. Menefee said they’ve not been able to get a complete picture of how it unfolded, but investigators felt strongly alcohol was a key factor.
“Most definitely,” said the Lieutenant. “At this time, statements are conflicting and we can’t speak to that right now, but I’d say alcohol was a major contributing factor to the incident.”
Byrd-Hall is lodged in the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail at Tazewell. He’s being held without bond and has a preliminary hearing set for early February.