The first firearm-related fatality of the fall West Virginia hunting season has been reported in Randolph County, according to Colonel Jim Fields, Chief of the DNR Law Enforcement Section. Investigating Conservation Officer Greg Smith reports that Corley was in a camping trailer with 67-year old Holmer Corley of Akron, Ohio when the shooting occurred. Holmer Corley indicated he had been showing Kenneth Corley two semi-automatic .22 handguns when one accidently discharged.
Charges are pending completion of an investigation.
Forty-seven year old Norman E. Lilly of Fayetteville, West Virginia, was peppered with shot while squirrel hunting near Panther Mountain Road in Nicholas County October 16. He suffered three blisters, but no penetration wounds. The shotgun was fired by 67-year old Gene Stephenson of Drennen West Virginia. Investigating Conservation Officer Billy Persinger reports that Stephenson shot and killed a squirrel, but some of the pellets traveled beyond the target and hit Lilly, who was in dense cover and not visible to the shooter. The case was referred to the Nicholas County Prosecuting Attorney.