Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The wounded man drove to an old cemetery and died.
ELKRUN — Authorities continue to investigate a shooting death they say may be a case of self-defense.
Two men quarreled twice during a large party at a home on state Route 154, with the second argument ending with an exchange of shots.
The first call to authorities about the shooting was made to Lisbon police at 4:52 a.m. Sunday.
Tyler R. Unkefer, 20, of 1864 Lower Elkton Road, was shot in the chest, said Brian Fullum, an investigator for the Columbiana County Coroner’s office.
A formal ruling on the cause of death will be made after test results are complete, he said.
Sheriff David Smith and Prosecutor Robert Herron said the case will likely be presented soon to the county grand jury. No date has been set.
“It was a bad mix of alcohol and firearms — a deadly mix,” Smith said.
The 29-year-old man who police suspect shot Unkefer has not been charged.
Herron said the two men shot at each other. Unkefer missed; the other man did not.
The men apparently were in an argument over a woman, officials said.
The party started early Saturday afternoon. Two birthday cakes were found at the property.
Herron and Smith said a number of people came and went as the party went into the evening. Smith said the deceased and the resident quarreled over a woman, and Unkefer left.
Unkefer and the shooter may have slightly known each other, officials added.
Unkefer later returned with a gun, and the two men exchanged shots outdoors, authorities said.
The wounded man got in his vehicle and drove away with people in it.
He eventually pulled into an old cemetery on state Route 154, where he collapsed, Smith said.
Authorities are still trying to identify and talk to people who were at the party.
Many of the people didn’t know other people who were at the event, the prosecutor said.
Herron said a lesson for the young people attending parties would be to know whom they are with.
wilkinson@vindy.com