An arrest has been made in the shooting death of Woodrow Wilson student Dwayne Richardson Jr.
Jeriamyah Jacob Fortner, 20, of Beckley, was arrested on May 5 after admitting responsibility for shooting Richardson to members of the Beckley Police Department, according to the criminal complaint filed in Raleigh County.
The complaint states that on May 2, officers were dispatched to a call on Terrill Street regarding a shooting incident. As they were traveling to the scene, officers were waved down by occupants of a vehicle near the intersection of South Fayette Street and Maplewood Lane. Richardson was inside the car suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was quickly transferred to a passing ambulance and taken to Raleigh General Hospital where he was evaluated. He was then taken to a Charleston-area hospital where he died from his injuries.
During the investigation, officers discovered that Richardson had been at 509 Terrill Street with four other males, including Fortner, the complaint continues.
Witnesses stated that Fortner had been holding an AR-15 style rifle and “playfully” pointing it at those present in the home when the shot was fired.
During a search of the home, officers discovered “firearm projectile damage” in the seat back portion of a couch and through a section of drywall behind the couch.
Officers discovered that the exterior portions of the couch had been cleaned, but the interior fabric was stained by what appeared to be blood. A firearm projectile was located in a wooden wall stud in the home.
Fortner has been charged with four felony counts of wanton endangerment and one felony count of voluntary manslaughter.
He is at Southern Regional Jail on a $500,000 cash/surety bond.
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