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Two men dead, one from Williamsburg, after accidental shooting Thursday
Posted On 29 Mar 2012
Laurel County Sheriff’s Detectives say the bullet that struck and killed Kevin McElrath Thursday morning when his gun accidentally discharged, passed through him and struck 22-year-old Eric Partain of Williamsburg.
According to Laurel County Sheriff John Root, Partain also died yesterday after being trasported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for treatment.
The shooting occurred about 2:15 a.m. at a home on Sally’s Branch Road, about one mile east of London.
According to witness statements to detectives, several friends had gathered at the residence when McElrath, 25, of Lodnon removed a clip from a .45 caliber handgun. At some point during the process, the gun discharged, hitting McElrath and Partain in the head.
McElrath, whom deputies found laying on the floor in the kitchen area, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Partain was taken by ambulance to the London/Corbin Airport and then airlifted to UK.
Laurel County Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Tommy Johnston is leading the investigation. He was assisted at the scene by detectives Charlie Loomis and Daryl Zanet and Deputy Brett Reeves and London Police Officer Ryan Jackson.
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Please send me some Info Of your New Letter
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Evangelist Murl Spinks
705 1/2 Duff Ave Apt#5
Clarksburg Wva 26301
Please send me some Info Of your New Letter
Thank Your
Evangelist Murl Spinks
705 1/2 Duff Ave Apt#5
Clarksburg Wva 26301
I agree with Jackson Spurlock. It’s very tragic and sad that these two men lost thier lives over something so bizarre. But a .45 round travels about 750 feet per second and it’s a big bullet to be hit with. I am sure the man died instantly after being struck in the head. A 45 pistol is not easy to operate unless you have had training and to get it safe you need to point it to the ground and clear the weapon. A raised pistol is dangerous. I hope the families are able to cope and get on with life, sometimes God has reasons for what he allows to happen.
I served in the Marines and fired thousands of rounds with a 45 automatic and it is beyond my comprehension how anyone could shoot themselves while safeing a 45…